This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Independent report into fishing industry
11/03/2004
Fisheries Minister Allan Wilson today welcomed the
findings of an independent think tank into the situation
facing the fishing industry.
Mr Wilson said:
"The launch of this inquiry last May by the Royal
Society of Edinburgh (RSE) was widely welcomed by industry
and politicians alike. I hope these extremely
well-researched and coherent findings will be just as well
received.
"I particularly welcome confirmation from the RSE that
withdrawing from the CFP could prove hugely damaging to our
national interest and that in practice it would likely
result in no improvement to the situation faced by our
fishermen.
"The report recognises as I do, that there is a need for
reform, but contends that by far the best approach is to
press for change from within.
"Scottish Ministers will certainly be giving these
recommendations our fullest consideration. The No10
Strategy Unit Report is due to be published later this
month and I look forward to considering both reports in
tandem as we continue to take steps to safeguard the
social, economic and cultural importance of this great
industry."
The RSE is Scotland's National Academy of Science &
Letters. It is an independent body with charitable status.
The Society organises conferences and lectures for the
specialist and general public. It provides a forum for
informed debate on issues of national and international
importance.
Its multidisciplinary fellowship of men and women of
international standing provides independent, expert advice
to key decision making bodies, including Government and
Parliament.
The RSE, working as part of the UK and within a global
context, is committed to the future of Scotland's social,
economic and cultural well-being.
The No10 Strategy Unit has also undertaken a study into
the Fishing industry. The report is due to be published on
March 25.