Chamber and committees

Was that the same as for other consultations that you have done on similar issues?

Why?

Could you read them out?

I thought that it was interesting that some of the groups that supported the Government’s position were looking at it from a climate change perspective rather than from an animal welfare perspective. However, that is just my observation. In particular, some organisations, such as the National Trust for Scotland, Woodland Trust Scotland, Nature Foundation and Trees for Life, were not looking at it from an animal welfare perspective. I have to put my cards on the table and say that that is my concern around this SSI.

On the subject of animal welfare, minister, you have cited the NatureScot review. I spoke to the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, which cited a study by the Royal (Dick) school of veterinary studies—the Dick Vet. From that study the SGA concluded that

“Night shooting ... is a method proven under test conditions to be the least in the interest of animal welfare, which requires quick, humane dispatch”,

and for that reason the SGA opposes

“the normalisation of night shooting”.

As my colleague Edward Mountain has said, we need to look at this issue from a practitioner’s point of view. I do not know the opinion of FLS on this. Does it agree with the SGA? Why did you not get more information around the humane cull of deer from the Dick Vet?

Okay. I have a specific question that goes beyond that, which I will ask later. That was a supplementary question on the point about road traffic accidents.

Thank you.

I am trying to consider the connection—

Why, then, is it proportionate to bring forward a licence scheme that is related to grouse moors?

I will continue my line of questioning. Would the minister be open to narrowing the scope of relevant offences to focus on raptor crimes in isolation?