Seòmar agus comataidhean

I direct this question to Joe Whitelegg, initially. There are questions about whether there is a level playing field. The situation is that there are non-Scottish vessels in Scottish waters, but Marine Scotland will require Scottish vessels to have REM. Do you think that that is fair, and how do you relate it to your experience?

Ms Slater, you may know that I am convener of the cross-party group on gardening and horticulture, for which the secretariat is the Horticultural Trades Association. An issue that came up at our meeting last week was the need to have tight biosecurity to protect our country from non-native species. That might be slightly different from what we are looking at, but it is related. It would be great if we could have some reassurance that that will be protected, that there will be a seamless and efficient transition and that we will have something that is like-for-like, so that we do not bring species that are not welcome into Scotland.

Is it the Great Britain assured breeders scheme that you work with?

That would be helpful. Thank you. From the comments that Ms Slater made, it seems that those businesses have no objection to the proposals. I am trying to balance the argument that was just given to the committee.

Daniel, what would be the outcome if the welfare of your greyhounds was not good?

Would you mind if I asked a question on that?

Yes, but is it the GBGB’s assured breeders scheme that you work with on getting stock that is approved or assured?

I do not really understand it.

Yes, but is there an assured breeders scheme?

Your friends probably have dogs, and some people that you know may have boarding kennels. Obviously, we are not at this stage yet, but, if the Government suggests that regulation might happen and there is a consultation on it, what would you say you are doing that is different from what boarding kennels do? Is what you do better or worse than what some boarding kennels provide for the welfare of the dogs?