National Parks (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 4:31 pm on 24 May 2000.

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Photo of Mike Rumbles Mike Rumbles Liberal Democrat 4:31, 24 May 2000

Yes, we are.

Not enough time has been given, to allow for a thorough examination of the proposals. I ask Sarah Boyack to note paragraph 7 of the Rural Affairs Committee report, which Alex Johnstone highlighted. It states:

"The Committee wishes to express dissatisfaction with the extremely tight timescale set for the consideration of stage 1 of the bill. This report contains a number of questions to be answered by the Executive, which may have an impact on the timetable for completion of the Bill."

Those questions include a number of points about marine national parks, which I will not go into, but which have been mentioned today. There has not been enough time to explore those issues properly. In addition, clarification is needed on the length and purpose of the period between publication of the statement on a park proposal and the laying of the draft designation order.

There is a need for more answers from the Executive. The Liberal Democrats welcome the general principles of the bill, but the Executive must lodge amendments at stage 2 to address the major issues identified in the Rural Affairs Committee report.

The most important point for the Executive to take on board is the need to guarantee the principle of direct representation of local community interests, distinct—and I emphasise the distinctiveness—from local authority nominees and those appointed by ministers. I urge the minister to lodge specific amendments at stage 2 to address that issue.