TWO NEW INQUIRIES BY SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT'S EUROPEAN COMMITTEE

Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy /
Scotland's Role in the EU

The European Committee has rescheduled its forward work programme to include two major new inquiries between now and Spring 2001.

The first, which will begin immediately and run until February or March 2001, will look at the development of a Scottish perspective to the forthcoming European Commission green paper on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The inquiry process will involve gathering evidence from key fisheries groups, environmental organisations, European institutions (Commission officials and MEPs) and the Scottish Executive.

The second inquiry will form the Parliament's contribution to the debate on the European Commission's forthcoming white paper on Governance. This major initiative by the Commission will look at the role of Europe's regions and nations in the decision-making process and also include matters relating to subsidiarity and enlargement.

The committee's intention is to provide a focus to the Scottish perspective on the European debate and scrutinise the Executive's overall strategy for Europe.

Announcing the revised work programme convener Hugh Henry said:

"This is an important decision by our committee to reschedule our forward work programme as both of these inquiries will address matters crucial to Scotland. Reform of the Common Fisheries policy could potentially have massive significance for our fishing communities in Scotland, as well as for the local economies whose wellbeing depend so heavily on the future prospects of the industry.

"Our contribution to the EC's white paper on Governance is also important. As a small nation on the periphery of Europe geographically, it is vital that this Parliament gives voice to our citizens and organisation. This second inquiry will offer the opportunity to express our opinions on the future of the EU itself and the impact it has on our daily lives."

The full terms of reference and calls for evidence will be published in due course and will be available on the Parliament's website.

BACKGROUND NOTES

At its meeting of the 14 November, the European Committee agreed to restructure its work programme, covering the period November 2000 to Spring of 2001.