Minutes: 05 October 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private. The Committee also agreed consideration of a draft pre-budget scrutiny letter should be taken in private at its next meeting.

2. Pre-Budget Scrutiny:

The Committee took evidence from—

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, supported by George Burgess, Director of Agriculture and Rural Economy, Allan Gibb, Head of Sea Fisheries, Marine Scotland, Erica Clarkson, Joint Interim Head of Division, Rural and Island Futures, and Sheetal Mehra, Head of Strategy & Engagement for Portfolio Budget & Spending Review, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instrument. The Committee also agreed to write to the Scottish Government seeking further information.

4. Pre-Budget Scrutiny (In Private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.