Games act review announced

News release/Environment Release

Immediate release


29/08/08



Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed a response from the Scottish Government that it will start a review of the Games Act before the end of the year.


The response came from Environment Minister Michael Russell in a Parliamentary question on the subject from Rob Gibson.


The Minister stated that the Government intends to carry out a review into the Act before the end of the year.

Mr Gibson, who challenged the Scottish Executive to carry out a similar review 4 years ago when the EU prosecuted the UK for failing to sufficiently protect: black grouse, ptarmigan, red grouse and partridge, said…..



"I welcome the Scottish Government's pro-active response. The intention to review the Game Acts before the year's end is good news. It will allow stakeholders to have their say before changes are proposed."


"For my part the longstanding anomalies of grouse, black grouse and ptarmigan being both game birds and environmentally endangered species has always been a puzzle. I hope that common sense can prevail and that a new regime of protection for all wild birds will result."


"The Scottish Executive did not agree to a review when asked in the past. The new attitude shown by the SNP Government is most welcome and shows it values both sustainable economic development in rural areas and protection of endangered species."


ENDS



NOTE



Copy of Q & A regarding gaming laws:


SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT WRITTEN QUESTION


29 August 2008Index Heading: Rural Affairs and the Environment - Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to conduct a review of the Game Acts and, if so, when the review will commence, what its timescale will be and what opportunities will be available for stakeholders to make a contribution.(S3W-15510)




SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT WRITTEN ANSWER



Mr Michael Russell:


The Scottish Government does intend to conduct a review of the Game Acts, which will commence before the end of the year. Early tasks will be to assess the scope of work required and to set a realistic timeframe. Part of the process will be a public consultation, providing stakeholders the opportunity to contribute.



SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE