This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Land Reform Bill consultation extended
06/04/2001
Scottish Ministers have extended the period allowed for consultation on the draft Land Reform Bill and draft Scottish Outdoors Access Code due to the current situation with Foot and Mouth Disease. It will now end on 30 June 2001.
Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace, said:
"The Scottish Executive fully appreciates the difficulties being experienced in rural areas from Foot and Mouth Disease, and eradicating the disease remains the Executive's highest priority. We are also aware of the problems farmers and related organisations have had in arranging meetings and considering their responses to the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and the Draft Scottish Outdoor Access Code at this particularly difficult time.
"In light of this, I have decided that it is necessary to extend this consultation period to the end of June. However, I would urge those who are in a position to respond, to send their comments early, so that the Department can consider fully the points raised prior to receiving responses from other organisations which face greater difficulties.
"The Executive takes consultation exercises very seriously and it is important that all consultees are given sufficient time to respond to the draft proposals. I have arranged for all MSPs and other consultees to be informed individually in writing of this extension."
News Release: SE0946/2001
6 Apr 2001