Chamber and committees

In total, 9135 respondents replied to the consultation. Of the 113 who responded to the question seeking comment on Marine Scotland as part of Scottish Government, 27 felt that Marine Scotland should be independent.

The staff of Marine Scotland are employees of the Scottish Government. We estimate around 700 full time equivalents will be required to deliver the full range of planned Marine Scotland functions, although this depends on Parliamentary decisions on the Marine Bill, detailed arrangements for the delivery of existing and new functions, the scope for integration of roles and functions and other matters.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22764, on 8 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Scottish Government supports any scheme or initiative that enables consumers to make a more informed choice about the food they purchase.

The Marine (Scotland) Bill was submitted to the Scottish Parliament on 29 April 2009. It does not include provisions for a coastal protection zone.

The Scottish Marine Bill proposes powers for subordinate legislation to set out an appeals process with regards to decisions relating to marine licensing. The appeals process will be subject to consultation.

Arrangements will be agreed between the Scottish Government and the UK Government to ensure that Marine Scotland and the UK Marine Management Organisation will work effectively together when and where necessary.

Science is central to our aspirations for marine management in Scotland, and to the role and responsibilities of Marine Scotland. We believe there are benefits for marine management in integrating science with policy development, delivery and other functions so that informed, holistic advice can be provided and appropriate, informed decisions can be made. There are also efficiency and value for money benefits for Scotland.

We also recognise the importance of assuring scientific objectivity and credibility within the new arrangements and, to that end, will be appointing a panel of independent experts to a Science Advisory Board to assure the quality and independence of science.

The Scottish Government is encouraged to note that more consumers are now considering animal welfare issues when making purchasing decisions.

Membership of an Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG) is open to commercial fishermen who operate in the IFG area. An IFG must liaise with all relevant stakeholders, such as recreational sea anglers and conservation groups, as it develops its management plan. Where locally appropriate we would expect these interests to be included formally within the IFG''s Advisory Group, which exists to provide expert advice to the IFG and to provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure robust management plans that accord with wider environmental, social, economic and management objectives.