- The Convener:
Although no points were raised on the instruments, we note, first, that the transposition of the directive that SSI 2012/5 implements is slightly late, as it should have been dealt with by 30 November 2011. Secondly, as the Fodder Plant Seed (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (SSI 2005/329) have now been amended eight times, can we encourage the Scottish Government to consolidate them at the next legislative opportunity?
Members indicated agreement.
- Chic Brodie (South Scotland) (SNP):
I know that it is difficult, but is there any notional limit on the number of times that we should go through instruments before the Government has a look at the whole thing?
- The Convener:
We have discussed the subject informally and elsewhere. One of the issues about consolidation, though not in this case, is that the eighth amendment might be just like the seventh, the sixth, the fifth and so on down to the first, because one number has been changed eight times, in which case it would not be possible to consolidate it, because you would have in front of you the finished article.
Equally, the instrument may have been substantially rewritten eight times and may have become impenetrable after the fourth amendment, never mind the eighth. Although we probably need to ask the general question every time just to get the Government to think about it, the answer will depend on where on the spectrum the instrument is. Unless we are prepared to do the work to explore that, which I suggest that we probably should not do, it is impossible to know where the right answer lies.
- Chic Brodie:
Okay, thank you.
- The Convener:
Is the committee otherwise content with the instruments?
Members indicated agreement.