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Scots get their say as concordat on rural affairs published
11/11/1999
The distinctive needs of Scottish agriculture and fisheries were highlighted today with the publication of the bilateral Concordat between the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
The Concordat sets out arrangements which will ensure that decisions about Scottish agriculture and fisheries continue to be taken in Scotland, by the Scottish Parliament and Executive.
The Executive will also be fully involved in formulating UK policy, and will be able to tailor domestic agricultural and fisheries programmes to suit Scottish circumstances.
Mr Finnie said:
"Devolution has brought a clear focus on the distinctive needs of Scottish agriculture and fisheries.
"I look forward to continuing the close and constructive relationship that my Department has developed with MAFF following the introduction of devolution on 1 July.
"Good communication between the Scottish Executive and MAFF will form the basis of our co-operation, and the Concordat confirms the bilateral commitment to ensuring this will be possible."
The Concordat establishes for all matters relating to the Scottish Parliament's responsibilities for agriculture, fisheries and food, an agreed framework for continuing co-operation between the Scottish Executive and MAFF.
The bilateral Concordat will be complemented by a series of subject-specific Concordats. The first of these, covering fisheries, was also published today.
BACKGROUND
1. The publication of the Memorandum of Understanding and overarching Concordats between the UK Government and the devolved administrations on 1 October paved the way for the bilateral Departmental concordats to be finalised and published.
2. The Concordat is not a legally enforceable contract and does not create any rights or obligations which are legally enforceable.
3. Letters formalising the bilateral Concordat between the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food were exchanged by Mr Graham and Mr Packer on 3 November. Similar letters formalising the Fisheries Concordat were also exchanged between Dr Brady and Mr Wentworth.
4. The text of the main bilateral Concordat can be found on the Internet ( www.scotland.gov.uk/concordats).
5. The text of the subject-specific Fisheries Concordat can be found on the Internet ( www.scotland.gov.uk/concordats).
News Release: SE1254/1999
11 Nov 1999