Chamber and committees

That is a yes. Thank you.

Robin Gourlay will come in on the back of that, Rachael.

Before we have a supplementary question from Jim Fairlie, I wish to ask about the FSS response, which suggested that there was an argument for national guidance on requirements for health boards and local authorities. However, if that were to increase local procurement, there may well be increased costs because of a loss of scale and so on. Where should the additional funding come from to pay for that more localised procurement that national guidance might deliver?

Robin, where should that funding come from? Should it lie directly at the door of local authorities, or should national Government look to pump prime the system?

We will move on to Ariane Burgess.

We move to questions from Jim Fairlie.

It is paragraph 40—the final paragraph. It states:

“We note the consultative obligations contained in the Bill and would anticipate an inclusive approach to the consultation process. This could be bolstered if the Bill required the names of all consulted to be published with the results of the consultation.”

Would Geoff Ogle like to comment?

Professor Brennan would like to make a short point before we move on.

Thank you. I remind everyone that our time is limited, so it would be helpful if members and witnesses could keep their questions and answers as concise as possible.

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the second meeting in 2022 of the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee. I remind committee members who are using electronic devices to switch them to silent.

Our first item of business is an evidence session on the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill. I welcome to the meeting Professor Mary Brennan, who is chair of the Scottish Food Coalition; Geoff Ogle, who is chief executive of Food Standards Scotland; and Robin Gourlay, who is a former adviser and lead for public sector food and drink policy for the Scottish Government and Scotland Food & Drink.

I invite Professor Brennan to make an opening statement first, followed by Robin Gourlay and Geoff Ogle.