§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will issue for consultation guidance on the location of marine fish farms in Scotland.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy Department issued today a draft of this guidance which seeks to clarify policy and to balance concern for environment with a sustainable future for marine fish fanning. It is being issued for consultation to a wide range of interested parties in Scotland and comments are invited by mid February. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. I look forward to considering all the comments received once the consultation period is completed.