Chamber and committees

We are focusing on who should do that. It is clear that we need to understand whether the Government thinks that there needs to be something to oversee that. The big question is: do you believe that something needs to oversee that? We can have an argument another day about who will do that, but do you think that there needs to be an external body overseeing the plans?

What plans do you have to consult on the secondary legislation? Again, if the secondary legislation is to be developed in parallel with the bill, how broadly are you going to consult on it? That is hugely important because, although we are looking at a framework bill, the secondary legislation will be the guts of it, if you like. What are your plans to consult on it?

Could you just set out exactly what the process is? From today, when do you plan to consult on the secondary legislation and how broad will that consultation be?

Good morning, and welcome to the sixth meeting in 2022 of the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee. I ask all committee members who are using electronic devices to turn them to silent.

Our first item of business is an evidence session on the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill. I welcome to the meeting Mairi Gougeon, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands. We also have Scottish Government officials. Ashley Cooke, the head of food policy, Tracy McCollin, the head of the good food nation team, and James Hamilton, a solicitor for the legal directorate, are giving evidence in the room; George Burgess, the deputy director for food and drink, is giving evidence remotely. I invite the cabinet secretary to make an opening statement.

The plan that the Government pulls together will be critical in setting out an idea of where local authorities might pitch their plans. Should that plan come before Parliament for approval? Should the legislation require Parliament’s approval of that Government plan?

Just to be clear, although targets might not be in the bill, are you planning to have them in secondary legislation? I understand that secondary legislation will be developed in parallel with the primary legislation.

I appreciate that.

How would you consider student facilities such as refectories in halls of residence, which operate on a private basis, more or less, but which often receive public funding? Should such student bodies have to produce a good food nation plan?

Cabinet secretary, we thank you, as always, for your evidence and we thank the officials who accompanied you today.

That concludes the public part of our business.

It is maybe a daft-laddie question, but I do not quite understand. The secondary legislation will be put in place and the affirmative procedure will be used for Parliament to approve it. There will have been no consultation on that secondary legislation up to that point. You will consult on what needs to be in the plans only thereafter.