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All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
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Displaying 1551 contributions
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
I think that we have had written and other evidence on that, so we have a spectrum of evidence in that regard.
We heard from the Land Commission about the possibility of cross-compliance, which I have mentioned. In that respect, we might not just be talking about £5,000, but, for the sake of precision, I want to read out the question that I have in front of me.
The consultation on the bill proposed that the outcome of any investigation into a breach could be taken into account in any subsequent public interest test and that additional conditions could be attached to the receipt of public funds, such as registration in the land register and, if in receipt of subsidies, registration and liability for UK or European Union tax. However, none of those proposals has been brought forward in the bill.
I am now going to roll a couple of questions together, convener, given the time constraints. First, why do you think those proposals have not been included, and would there be any legal difficulties in doing so? Secondly, would those proposals provide a greater range of remedies to ensure compliance? Last week, we heard that cross-compliance penalties could be a lot more substantial than £5,000.
I know that I have thrown a lot of things together there. Mr Macleod, if you would like to comment first, that would be really helpful.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
Does Mr Colquhoun have anything to add?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
That is fine. We are scrutinising the bill, but I am not going to force you to answer something that you are not in a position to answer.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
Is Gail Watt in a similar position?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
I would like to bring in Dr Robbie next. If the commissioner gives one fine for non-compliance across a swathe of obligations in the land management plan, it sounds as if they will not be able to return with a second fine, but individual aspects could each be the subject of individual £5,000 fines. What is Dr Robbie’s take on that?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
I love it when people who have a legal background start looking at one another to see what their thoughts are.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
If that is the point that your members made, you should keep making it.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
Do the witnesses have any other comments? I do not want to single anyone out, but I see that Dr Robbie is looking over.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
Does Fergus Colquhoun or Gail Watt have anything to add? If not, you will be glad to hear that I will be bowing out of my line of questioning.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 18 June 2024
Bob Doris
Thank you.