Chamber and committees

Of course, the title of the bill, which is the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, provides the scope for me to bring in the issue that I am talking about, and which I am keen to ensure—

Yes—just a moment, if I may.

I am delighted that the minister is having friendly chats with people, but if he is going to change the legislation in three years’ time, he will be required to give evidence to the committee that considers that legislation on whom the Government has consulted and what evidence it has taken; I would be surprised if he were not.

I am asking whether there has been a map-based spatial planning exercise, carried out by the Scottish Government and produced in conjunction with SEPA, that says where fish farms should be allowed and where they should not be allowed. Do you have such a map, and are you using it?

It is certainly not the only issue, but the predecessor committee’s report focused heavily on it, and the salmon farmers in Scotland said that they would consider it and put it high up on their list of priorities. I remember them saying that, and now they are saying, “We have nothing.”

I will leave it there, convener, because I may get more depressed as my questioning continues.

I will concentrate on two recommendations in the report that the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee produced in 2018. Recommendation 51—which I am sure you will know off the top of your head, Mark, but just to remind you if you do not—was that the Scottish Government should undertake a strategic spatial planning exercise, taking into account all the affected areas. That recommendation should have been carried out. Has it been carried out? Do you use that in making your planning decisions?

Will the minister take an intervention?

Sorry, but who—

Thank you, convener. You are suggesting that my amendment 59, which calls for a review, should be rejected on the basis of an informal conversation with one member of a devolved Administration and no conversations with any members of the UK Administration. Do you think that the basis for your approach—some chit-chat at a meeting—will fly with people?

That is a very interesting question—of course, I cannot answer it because I am not privy to all the papers, but that is why it is entirely apposite for the minister to commit to amendment 59, which would require the Government to action something within three years. I struggle, as I sit here, to understand why he is reticent to do so—

Yes, I will.

The minister is reticent about preparing the way for a change to the 2016 legislation on microchipping.