To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any representatives from the fish processing sector on the Seafish Industry Authority and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.

The processing sector is currently represented on the board of the Sea Fish Industry Authority by Mr Iain MacSween and Mr Jeff Evans.

The eight industry members of the board are appointed to represent interests across the sea fish industry, striking a careful balance of geographical and sectoral representation. Mr Danny Couper of the Scottish Fish Merchants Federation was appointed for a three-year term on 1 April 2000, but resigned on 21 May 2001. Fisheries Ministers appointed Mr MacSween as his replacement.