Chamber and committees

We will move on. It is unclear why the technical specification for the REM system was not consulted on and did not form part of the SSI. In your previous statement, you said that you would work with stakeholders on the change to the specification, so why was the current technical specification not consulted on, and why did it not form part of the call for views from stakeholders?

That is sort of irrelevant because the kit that is on the scallop boats is analogue. Is that not the case?

Yes, please.

Okay. Thank you.

Finally, cabinet secretary, how can you ensure that Parliament will have the opportunity to properly scrutinise any substantive changes in the regulations?

Yes.

I just want something to be clear in my mind. Rachael Hamilton’s question was about the requirement to provide data within 72 hours. You are saying that that power will not be used very often. What will be the default rule for boats sharing that data? Might they be asked for it, or might they not be asked for it? Will they need to provide it on an annual basis? How will the data need to be provided?

Rachael Hamilton’s question was about the 72-hour period. Do you think that that will not be used very often?

Rachael, I know that you want to come in with a question on capacity, but Elena Whitham has a supplementary question.

As no other member wishes to speak, does the cabinet secretary wish to make some closing remarks?

The result of the division is: For 7, Against 0, Abstentions 2.

Motion agreed to,

That the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee recommends that the Sea Fisheries (Remote Electronic Monitoring and Regulation of Scallop Fishing) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 be approved.