Question reference: S5W-01291
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 7 July 2016
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 27 July 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with (a) SNH, (b) Islay Goose Management Scheme local members, (c) farmers and crofters on Islay and (d) the European Commission with regard to state aid issues that may arise in any new or developed scheme for goose management on Islay.
Answer
The Scottish Government has worked closely with Scottish Natural Heritage to prepare the state aid submission. No detailed discussions have taken place with farmers and crofters on Islay, though they are aware of the process that is taking place. While the submission seeks approval to roll forward the existing scheme, which we don’t anticipate needing to change, potentially the European Commission could seek amendments to the scheme. As the focus of recent activity has been to finalise the background materials and prepare the state aid application, no discussions have taken place with the European Commission at this stage.