Chamber and committees

Surely you will have some examples of what there has been in terms of enforcement since the first act.

The code of conduct was introduced. How has enforcement worked for Police Scotland so far?

Okay. Thank you.

I have a supplementary question on the point that Mr Telford made about the removal of the word “deliberate”. Last week, Lord Bonomy said that the bill is clear and simple and that we should “avoid unduly complicating” it. How would changing the words in the bill or extending its scope affect ordinary dog walkers?

To use Michael Clancy’s phrase, when it comes to that, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. We have heard that there could be issues with the movement of animals from A to B. Animals do not see boundaries or marches, which is where the difficulty lies with regard to the role that NatureScot will play in licensing.

I will ask you some quick-fire questions. Lord Bonomy suggested amending the 2002 act, coupled with a code of practice for hunts and the introduction of monitors. A code of practice was introduced, but not the monitors. Is there any evidence that that approach has worked or, indeed, that such a combination of approaches could work?

The bill may lead to greater use of firearms in the countryside, as land managers try to deal with predation in the absence of dogs. Is that a concern for you? Have you considered that?

I will ask a quick question on the framework itself. My understanding is that it will take a considerable amount of time to be produced. In the meantime, what are your observations on some of the issues in the industry that I have spoken about? Should priorities or technology be put in place before the framework?

How might the new regulatory framework improve the reduction in sea lice infestations, decrease the numbers of fish that are dying and maintain the genetic integrity of wild salmon? What are your thoughts on how the Scottish Government responded to the recommendations that the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee made in session 5? How will the welfare issues improve with a single consenting process for new applications, as is suggested in your review?

You note in your written evidence that the bill contains no provision for

“police powers to arrest or search”.

Can you explain why the general powers that are available to Police Scotland and those powers that are set out in the schedule to the bill could be a problem?

Robbie Kernahan said that NatureScot issues thousands of licences per year. With regard to the 14-day licence, it will be interesting to hear, in the next part of the questioning, how that will play out and what will be required of NatureScot.

In the context of the resource that will be required from Police Scotland and its current resources for enforcement, have you considered that a general licence, with conditions and reporting requirements, would be a better way of conducting such a scheme?