Chamber and committees

Was any consideration given to a general licence rather than individual licences? Why can pest bird species be managed under a general licensing regime when foxes, mink and so on cannot be?

A licence can be granted for a maximum of 14 days. Does NatureScot have the capacity to administer the scheme if some people have to apply every 14 days?

I do not have the reference to the section, but it is in the bill. The bill prohibits the involvement of more than two dogs in an accepted activity, but it envisages that more than two dogs could be involved and that “reasonable steps” can then be taken to ensure that more than two dogs cannot come together “to form a pack”. I am talking about the bit about dogs coming together as an unintended consequence.

There is a contradictory element in the bill. You are prohibiting the involvement of two dogs in an accepted activity but you envisage that more than two dogs could be involved. The important word there is “involved”. Would it be possible for you to explain what is understood by a dog being “involved in” an activity and why those provisions are contradictory?

That is okay.

Am I right in saying that Lucy Hunter Blackburn said that no alternatives to self-declaration had been explored?

Lucy Hunter Blackburn, you suggested that we should hear from someone from the Cass review.

Would Malcolm Clark like to come in?

Kate Coleman, if there is anything that you want to add, I give you the opportunity.

To be clear, are you talking about someone who has been convicted of rape and has a criminal record—