 The first item of business is portfolio questions, and I will try to get as many people and supplementaries in as possible. The first portfolio is environment, climate change and land reform, and question number one, Finlay Carson. To ask the Scottish Government how many community right to buy applications have been received in the last 24 months and what proportion have been approved. Since April 2016, the Scottish Government has received a total of 35 applications from 19 different community groups. This is consistent with the number of applications in total since the act was first passed. 17 of the 35 applications have been approved from 12 out of the 19 groups, and there are currently three applications still under consideration. Finlay Carson. I thank the cabinet secretary for her answer. The Kirkmaidon community harbour trust has the right to buy Dremor harbour accepted by the Scottish Government, but the trust has been waiting over a year to hear a final decision from the QLTR to take over the running of the harbour. Although I understand completely that due diligence needs to be carried out, waiting over 12 months is completely unacceptable. Will the cabinet secretary personally intervene in this case to ensure that the trust can take over the running of the harbour without further delays? Roseanna Cunningham. It would be helpful if the member was to write to me with more specific detail on that particular application. If the application has been agreed by me, I would have expected it and hoped that it would have been expedited rather sooner than this. However, the member will understand that, without knowing more of the detail behind that, it is a little difficult for me to comment. The cabinet secretary tells me what steps the Scottish Government is taking to increase awareness and uptake of community right to buy, particularly in urban areas. Can she give examples of projects that could provide inspiration to other community groups? I know why one, certainly my constituency of Stirling, of the remarkable project to refurbish Barnett Burnhouse is a fantastic example, but any other examples that the cabinet secretary provides would be useful. Roseanna Cunningham. I have, in fact, visited Barnett Burnhouse and I can see the tremendously good work that is being done there. As with all projects like this, it will be a long process. I would advise the member that, if people are looking for really good examples of urban right to buy, I would direct them to Action Porty, which was the very first urban community right to buy application. It successfully completed the purchase of a church in Belfield Street in Portobello at the end of 2017. It has tremendous plans and I know that it has every intention of that coming to fruition. There is a growing interest from urban communities in the right to buy provisions. We do as much as we can to encourage urban communities to think about making those right to buy applications. For those who are interested, Community Land Scotland last month published a report on community ownership in urban areas and it provides an overview of current urban community ownership. It is available on the Community Land Scotland website for those who are interested. 2. Richard Lyle I ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the provision and variety of locations of charging points for electric vehicles. Hamza Yousaf. As announced in the programme for government, we are rapidly increasing our efforts to support electric vehicles. Ensuring that by 2032, we have ended the need, phased out the need, to buy petrol or diesel cars and vans. We continue to work with Scottish local authorities and partners to increase the provision of charging points right across urban and rural Scotland. That includes homes, workplaces, public and private car parks, housing estates and on-street charging points. Details of our plans will be announced in the coming months. Richard Lyle I raise with the minister an issue that we face with our constituent, who wishes to use the Government's generous scheme for the installation of a charging point, but was again denied permission by his Housing Association. Does the minister agree with me that we should be encouraging that rather than discouraging it? Could I invite the minister to have further discussions with the housing minister to encourage developers in the future to consider the inclusion of charging points in their housing plans? Richard Lyle Hamza Yousaf. Hamza Yousaf I say that I have already had a conversation with the housing minister on this issue. He is very much of course in alignment with our own vision on this. I know the case because the members mentioned it to me and raised it previously. My officials have been liaising with the relevant housing association to ensure that a solution can be found. I am pleased to say that following the discussions, the Housing Association is currently applying for a grant to install electric vehicle charging to allow residents to make the switch to an electric vehicle. I am keen to see the update of electric vehicles across Scotland. Officials will follow up with that specific housing association, but perhaps on the back of that, they should get in touch with the umbrella bodies for housing associations right across Scotland to remind them of the generous government schemes that exist so that more people can take up electric vehicles. If we can have quick answers to the supplementaries, I will be able to get them all in. In extending the network of charging points, the minister will be aware of the importance of ensuring that maintenance takes place so that the public can have confidence in their reliability. Can the minister update Parliament on the steps that are being taken to improve maintenance and to ensure that, where there are faults, there is an automatic default to free-vend at those charging points? To be brief, I know the members' interests in that. Orkney, of course, leads the way when it comes to electric vehicles per head of the population. The liability of charge points is something that Lee McArthur raised with me. I will perhaps offline give him more of an update in a bit more detail, but his suggestion of the automatic set to default is one that is definitely worthy of consideration and one that we are considering fully. I have the request from one of my GPs to have a charging point installed as practice. Does the minister agree that if charging points are installed in health centres at council buildings and that it will encourage more people to switch to hybrid or electric-powered cars? What more can be done by the Scottish Government to enable smooth and swift installation of charging points at such locations? The worst thing in Scotland is that we have a good network, as was alluded to in the previous question of charge points across Scotland. There are about 800 of which, approximately 175, are rapid chargers. The distance between charging points is very good, too. The average is about 2.7 miles in Scotland compared to 4 miles in the rest of the UK. However, where it makes sense to install chargers—for example, at hospitals, GPs and clinics—our generous scheme should allow that to happen. I will update Parliament in due course in the coming months on our plans and on our milestones to ensure increased uptake of electric vehicles. As part of that, I will consider the suggestions that the member makes. Daniel Johnson The Government's targets are undoubtedly ambitious, ranked fifth in the world, according to WWF. However, it is clear that we need to step up our activity in the roll-out of charging points. What consideration is the Scottish Government giving to changing building standards to require all-new-build houses to include a charging point? I should say that some developers have already chosen to take that step voluntarily. It is very, very positive to see that they are building houses with the right cabling infrastructure to allow for charge points. As part of the conversation that I am having with the housing minister, I will allow him to keep you updated on that. However, the member is absolutely right that there has to be a real step change in our actions in relation to that. We have, as I say, the comprehensive network of charging points, but frankly, that is going to have to be expanded rapidly in the coming few years. However, his idea of using building regulations and planning are all things that are being considered. Of course, as I say, when we are ready to update him and the Parliament, I will make sure that he knows. John Scott Thank you, Presiding Officer. Will the mandatory introduction or inclusion of electric charging points for new housing developments, particularly affordable housing, be introduced in new planning legislation? Again, that would be wonderful for the minister responsible for planning. All I can say at this stage is that those conversations have taken place within government. Of course, Kevin Stewart will know more about the legals and the ins and outs. However, as I have just said to Daniel Johnson, when we are ready to update Parliament, we will of course do that at the earliest opportunity. Question 3 was not lodged. Question 4 was not lodged. Question 5, Annie Wells. Thank you, Presiding Officer. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress with developing the Glasgow low emissions zone. I am saying you, Sif. Glasgow City Council published an update report on the 20th of March in relation to progress with developing the Glasgow low emissions zone, with a further update expected to be published in June. Annie Wells I thank the minister for that answer. A report by the World Health Organization last year found that Glasgow is one of the most polluted areas in the UK with poorer air quality than London. I am pleased to hear that the low emissions zone will be implemented by the end of the year, particularly now that it has been described as a health emergency. Can the minister give assurances that the Scottish Government will work with the council to make sure that businesses in the city are not adversely affected, and we do also finally see pollution levels drop? I am saying you, Sif. Yes, I can absolutely give that assurance. I met with the FSB and I also have met separately with the chambers of commerce for a very good and positive discussion. I think that it is worthwhile putting on the record that neither of those organisations saw a conflict between business growth, economic growth and, of course, the environment and their duties towards the environment. I find it very, very positive. I think that Glasgow is looking again, of course, as the report is going through its various stages and committees, seeing perhaps where they can be ambitious as they should be, but equally making sure that they do not do damage inadvertently through unintended consequences. I know that the Conservatives of Glasgow City Council have also been alongside all the other political parties, supportive of the principle of early Zeds, and I hope that cross-party consensus continues. James Kelly Thank you. One of the requirements in order to achieve the low-emission zone is to ensure that all buses are retrofitted to be low-emission compliant. There are over 3,000 buses that will need to meet that requirement. Can the minister detail the timescales and associated costs with that work, and is he confident that it can be met by the end of 2018? To give you an idea of Glasgow's plans, I suggest that James Kelly looks at the draft report that is available. It does not suggest that 100 per cent of buses will be Euro 6 compliant by the end of 2018. It is doing what all low-emission zones do, having a lead-in time, which includes some phasing. By the end of 2018, if my memory serves me correctly, it would be about 20 per cent by the end of 2019, 40 per cent of buses, and so on and so forth. Some have come back, such as Friends of the Earth, and requested that Glasgow City Council be more ambitious. I think that it is worth listening to that call to be as ambitious as possible. We will provide the support and the funding. We have said that in terms of the £10.8 million that we are bringing forward, a significant proportion of that will be for bus retrofit and abatement. We will do what we can from a Government perspective. It is right that local authorities give the detail and what is practically and pragmatically possible, while also being as ambitious as possible. I refer James Kelly to Glasgow City Council's report and, of course, feed to them direct. Given that the poor, the secure children and the old are most at risk from the health consequences of air pollution in Glasgow, and our other post-industrial built-up areas, such as areas in my constituency of Hamilton, Lark, Collin, Stonehouse and across other parts of Lanarkshire, does the minister agree with the British Heart Foundation when it says, now is the time for everyone to come together to implement workable and effective solutions to the problem? Yes, I co-heartedly agree with the British Heart Foundation that now is the time for everyone to come together to implement workable and effective solutions to the problem. Of course, as the member will probably know, joining the clean air for Scotland group, the British Heart Foundation brings valuable research and campaigning experience to the group. We have already committed to introducing LEZs into the four largest cities, but we have also established routes for them to be rolled out to other air quality management areas in the time after that. Yes, absolutely, the time to prepare for LEZs is now, and I am delighted that the British Heart Foundation are bringing their valuable experience to the table. Question 6, Claudia Beamish. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether its interpretation of the Ramsar convention gives wildlife at wetland sites less protection than it is provided by the UK Government. Ramsar sites in Scotland are given legal protection through co-designation as special areas of conservation, special protection areas or sites of special scientific interests. That is the legal position, as I set out in my answer of 21 February. Further to that answer, I can clarify and confirm that it continues to be Scottish Government policy to apply the same level of protection for Ramsar sites as that afforded to designated natura sites, which provides Ramsar sites in Scotland the same level of protection as Ramsar sites throughout the rest of the UK. I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. Given that the Scottish Government has committed to applying this welcome level of protection, could the cabinet secretary perhaps tell us how she would expect that this will affect planning authorities consideration of planning proposals that affect Ramsar sites and SNH advice to planning authorities regarding those in view of the acknowledgement? I need to be careful not to stray too much into the planning side of things. There has been no divergence in policy and the policy is expressed in the Scottish planning policy SPP in 2010. It reflects the legal position and we are not aware of any issues having been raised by NGOs at the time SPP was published, so nothing has changed since that was the case. It remains our policy that Ramsar sites in Scotland are treated as though they are natura 2000 sites. I can confirm that SNH is aware of long-standing Scottish Government policy as well as the legal position in relation to Ramsar sites in Scotland. I want to add that Government policy has not changed since the answer given to a parliamentary question in 2004 by the then minister Lewis MacDonald. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure the long-term protection of the marine environment in light of reports that humpback whales are returning to Scottish waters. Roseanna Cunningham. That shows that our robust approach to environmental management is working, which is delivered through marine planning, licensing and direct conservation action. Current conservation actions include progressing towards a well-managed network of marine protected areas, which already covers 20 per cent of our seas, improving protection given to vulnerable marine ecosystems, and evaluating options for creating a deep sea marine reserve. Ivan McKee. I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. Dolphins and porpoises are also regularly seen in our coastal waters. Could the cabinet secretary also provide an update on the Scottish Government's work to conserve these charismatic species? Roseanna Cunningham. A dolphin and porpoise conservation strategy is currently being developed to ensure that threats and pressures to these species are being addressed across UK waters. A two-day stakeholder workshop is being held in Edinburgh tomorrow and the day after, as it happens, to inform its development. A public consultation on the strategy is intended to begin before the end of the year, with implementation expected to begin during 2019. That strategy is part of our long-term commitment to meet national and international conservation standards, not just for marine mammals but for the wider marine environment also. Regardless of our future relationship with the EU, the Scottish Government is committed to maintaining protection of the environment to robust international standards, where we have devolved responsibility, and we hope and expect that the UK Government intends to do the same. Short supplementary, Finlay Carson. Given the cabinet secretary's responsibility for our marine environment, can she outlay any discussions that she has had with Marine Scotland on what data is being recorded and how it is being collected in relation to the environmental impact of electrofishing trials being carried out in Scotland? The electrofishing trials that the member refers to are a particular policy that is being carried through in the rural economy portfolio. I will ask Fergus Ewing to respond to the member in more detail. I can say, however, that Fergus Ewing and I have constant conversations in respect of issues such as that, including data management. Those conversations will continue to ensure that we have the best possible knowledge base to direct future policy in this area. Short supplementary, Neil Finlay. What plans does the Government have for managing activities most likely to impact on well and marine mammal recovery, things like the more unregulated boat tourism? I think that the member would need to give me some very specific information about if there are particular issues related to marine tourism. Marine tourism is a very important part of the rural tourism offer in Scotland. I have not been made aware at any point of their being difficulties, although I understand that there is an emerging concern about potential disturbance. If the member is happy, I will ensure that he gets a more detailed update on the specific issue of potential disturbance, although there have been no very specific concerns raised directly with me. Question 8 was not lodged. Question 9 was withdrawn. If we are quick about it, we can do question number 10, Johann Lamont. I will be as speedy as I can, Deputy Presiding Officer. Tell us the Scottish Government what animal welfare policies it has regarding pets or rough sleepers. Roseanna Cunningham. Of course we take the welfare of all animals seriously and we are committed to policies that improve the health and welfare of animals in Scotland. However, there are no specific animal welfare policies regarding the pets of rough sleepers. All owners of animals are responsible under the Animal Health and Welfare Scotland Act 2006 to ensure the welfare of those animals in their control. We do not, for one single minute, suggest that rough sleepers do not provide their pet with the best care that they are able to provide. Indeed, there is no information that that is an issue. However, we are aware that there is good work being done, including veterinary assistance, provided by the Dogs Trust, PDSA, Street Vet and all for pause. Johann Lamont. I thank the minister for that response and, indeed, I think that there is clear evidence that very often rough sleepers are particularly kind to their pets. However, in Scotland, there are only three hostels that accept pets, and they are all in Edinburgh. Many homeless people across Scotland may give up the chance of shelter for the night if it means leaving the pets alone. Does the minister acknowledge the importance of the issue to a particularly vulnerable group of people? Will she confirm whether she will consider how access to accommodation for homeless people with who own pets will be expanded? As the member knows, that is probably more a question for the housing minister. However, I can say that I would have to have not been reading anything in the press, not to be aware of wider concerns. Indeed, when I visited homes or sanctuaries myself, I see pets, dogs and cats there because people have changed tenure or moved from one landlord to another and cannot take animals with them. That would be a particular concern in respect of those who are homeless. We have a code of guidance on homeless, which recommends that, as a matter of good practice, a local authority should consider providing assistance with the kennalling of any pets if an applicant is not able to keep them in their temporary accommodation. There is a pet fostering service in Scotland, and for those who are not aware about it, there is a website that they can go and get information about that particular service. The member may be at least satisfied that I have already raised the issue directly with Kevin Stewart when I saw her question. I also want to note that I have raised Claudia Beamish's pause clause campaign with the housing minister as well. That concludes questions on environment, climate change and land reform, and we will move on to the portfolio for rural economy and connectivity. To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on reinstating passenger services on the Edinburgh South Suburban railway line. There are no current plans to reintroduce passenger services on the Edinburgh suburban line. The Scottish Government will be supporting development work being carried out by Network Rail. To consider the electrification of the Edinburgh suburban line, it will provide an electrified route for freight services, thus enabling them to be removed from movely station, as well as providing a diversionary route for cross-border and local passenger services, should issues arise at the station. I thank the minister for that answer. The last time that was looked at formally, it was such a long time ago that Tavish Scott was actually the minister responsible. So is it not now time, given that we now have trams in Edinburgh, given the concerns about rising traffic, and indeed that the line is going to be electrified to bring forward a proper feasibility study into this scheme, and indeed, would the minister agree to convene a meeting with key-stake collars such as Network Rail, ScotRail, State of Edinburgh Council and, indeed, Transport Scotland to look at how such a feasibility study could be brought forward after Tavish Scott's excellent previous work? I am sure that any transport minister of Tavish Scott, probably after seeing the beast from the east, is probably happy that he is not transport minister any longer. However, enough of the utopian days of Tavish Scott as a transport minister, to answer the question directly, what I would say to the member is, he's right, it's been, actually 2008 was the last time it was in the STPR, but of course it wasn't considered for further, it's taken further because the business case was deemed to be poor, and the city council at the time, and also Cestrans at the time, the regional transport partnership were happy with that recommendation. When it comes to the development of new rail lines, of course enhancing rail lines, enhancing additional rolling stock that would be needed for this, a business case has to, of course, be put together for that. What I would say to the member is that we have, of course, with our recent budget that has been passed, put forward a £2 million rail development fund. He may wish to look at the details of that. It would be really for the member and for the interested parties to come together to put together that business case to present for the next control period, which is 2019 to 2024. We're not close-minded to projects if there is new information that he and the other partners and stakeholders should put that together, and there are appropriate funds to help with the feasibility of that. Minister, could you speed that answer train up a wee bit so that we can get through here supplementary to Jamie Greene? I think that Daniel Johnson makes a very valid point. The potential for tram trains on that line could really help ease congestion off the roads, as well as the opportunities for freight. The previous chief of ScotRail, Phil Vester, was very supportive of the idea of tram trains on that line. Does he know what ScotRail's current position is on that, and to reiterate Mr Johnson's question, will he agree to meet with relevant stakeholders or will his department agree to meet with relevant stakeholders to try and progress this? I should have said that there's no problem, of course, with the transport Scotland meeting and guiding those who are promoting particular rail lines or stations, and, of course, we will continue to be happy to do that. I don't know the current position of the MD of ScotRail, so I wouldn't like to put words in his mouth, but I suspect it will be not too different to my own, which is that if there's a business case there, it would have to go through the appropriate process. It would have to make sure that the eyes are dotted and the T's are crossed. Of course, as I said, there is a fund available for that feasibility. John Finnie, supplementary. Minister, I always hear you encourage groups to come forward to you with proposals about rail, but I never hear that in relation to road. Why will the Scottish Government not take the lead in rail, as it does in road construction? Hamza Yousaf. I think that we do. For example, when it comes to the border railway, that's a great example of the Government taking a lead working with local partners. Of course, there is a process to go through. I don't think that we always have to—I think that there is, of course, a lot more that we are willing to do on rail in the control period 6 2019 to 2024. It provides opportunities not just for local authorities and RTPs to come forward, but for the Government to think of enhancements. Of course, if the member has any suggestions, I would be more than happy to meet him to explore those in more detail. Question 2 has been withdrawn. To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting the food and drink sector in developing and growing markets. Hamza Yousaf. Developing and growing markets at home and abroad is a key part of Ambition 2030, the national food and drink strategy, by providing £4 million of funding towards targeting new export markets through the Scotland Food and Drink export plan and also developing a new UK market strategy with Scotland food and drink to target more opportunities in Scotland and across the UK. The rural economy secretary recently announced funding of £250,000 to establish a new regional food fund. That fund will provide small grants to enable local producers to promote their food and drink products from throughout Scotland to grow sales and markets. That fund will be open to applications from May. James Dorn. Is the minister aware that, in a recent agreement between the UK Government and the Government in Hong Kong on areas of priority for future trade collaboration, there was no mention of food and drink? Does he share my concern about how one of Scotland's key sectors might then be affected by future trade deals after Brexit and how does he feel that that can be addressed? Hamza Yousaf. I am astounded by that but perhaps not altogether surprised. It would be worth putting in context that when it comes to Scottish food and drink, the importance of that industry is that it makes up over a quarter, 27 per cent of total food and drink exports from the UK. It is hugely important that a trade deal is being discussed. At a detailed stage, according to the UK Government with Hong Kong, without food and drink, I think that we would worry every single one of us. I am used to the UK Government treating Scotland as an afterthought but, in this case, we are not even that. Supplementary Colin Smyth. Does the minister agree that, at a time that the food and drink sector has grown, it remains a scandal that so many children in Scotland still go to bed hungry at night and that one of the fastest-growing sectors is food banks desperately trying to keep up with increasing demand? Does the minister agree that the forthcoming Good Food Nations Bill should be used to enshrine in law the right to food, paving the way for action to end the national shame of food poverty in Scotland? Hamza Yousaf. Where we have absolute agreement, undoubtedly, is the shame of food banks. I think that most members across the chamber would have visited their local food bank and all of us would have said the same thing, that they are providing a great service but all of us wish that they were not here and did not exist. There is no doubt, of course, that anybody we speak to at the food banks will tell you that austerity is one of the driving causes of people having to come to visit food banks in terms of the detail of what he suggests. May I give that suggestion back to the most appropriate minister and make sure that he gets written detail of our plans moving forward? Question 4, Neil Findlay. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve rural bus services. Hamza Yousaf. The Scottish Government is committed to improving rural bus services in Scotland. The Scottish Government is providing funding to the bus industry of over £250 million in the current financial year to support the overall bus network, maintaining routes that would otherwise not be viable to help passengers with the cost of fares, including, of course, concessionary fares and support for local authorities to run services that they deem socially necessary but perhaps not commercially viable. The forthcoming transport bill will give local authorities the flexibility to pursue partnership working, local franchising or, indeed, running their own bus services, allowing them to better respond to local needs. Neil Findlay. Thanks for that drafted answer by a civil servant. Can I ask the minister? Across the country we see rising fares, routes being cut and communities left isolated and frustrated. Are services improving or are they getting worse? Hamza Yousaf. Of course, it is a mixed picture. Lothian buses, for example, have increased in other areas and have declined, but that is why I am bringing forward the transport bill. Let me remind Neil Findlay that Labour may well talk the talk, but it is the SNP Scottish Government that walked the walk. In 13 years in Westminster in power, in eight years in Hollywood, it never regulated the buses. It never brought in franchising, but the SNP will. It never allowed for municipal-owned bus companies, but the SNP will. Neil Findlay should very much stick to doing what he does best, which is bluff bluster and making jokes that only he laughs at. I will stick to my day job and I am sure that everybody will be happier for it. Supplementary, Tom Arthur. Thank you, Presiding Officer. On my constituency of Renfrewshire staff, we are community such, as luck, winner, which has seen a decline in bus services over the past decade. It is that tension between limited demand and the commercial imperatives of operators. I therefore ask the minister to outline how the upcoming transport bill can provide an important opportunity for the whole sector to improve bus services and to tackle declining patronage. Hamsa Yousaf. The transport bill will bring forward a range of measures. Some of those I have outlined in my previous answer has partnership, local franchising, potential for municipal-owned bus companies, more open data, smart ticketing—all those will undoubtedly help. None of them are the silver bullet, and it should say that local action will also be needed. Glasgow, for example, has a connectivity commission headed by David Begg, which is looking at things like on-street car parking, bus priority lanes and so on. A mixture of national action, local action is most certainly needed. Supplementary, Peter Chapman. I thank you, Presiding Officer. Aberdeenshire Council, of course, in my region, have to subsidise 64 out of 123 routes, many of which are in rural areas. Last month, it announced proposals to remove eight of those routes and reduce two. With the council budget for this year decreasing by 4.36 per cent in real terms, it had no other option. How can the cabinet secretary continue to say that they are improving rural bus services? I am not convinced that that is what I said at all. I said to Neil Findlay that there was a mixed picture across the country. In some areas, there is patronage, decline in some areas, there is an increase in patronage at borders. Buses recently created, of course, as an example of a rural area where the bus market is doing better than it was previously. There is a mixed bag. The measures that we are bringing forward in the transport bill will give local authorities more powers in order to improve bus services, be it the rural or urban. I look forward to what Peter Chapman has said to the Conservatives in supporting that bill. As a member for a constituency where there are a large number of people whose families still live as farmers and crofters— Excuse me, Mr Kidd, could I ask you to ask the question that you submitted? Yes, no problem at all, just in case it sounded weird. To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to farmers and crofters who face adverse financial circumstances following the recent extreme weather. There is no doubt that the prolonged adverse weather experience since last summer has had significant impact on farmers and crofters in different parts of the country. Acknowledging that, we set up the weather panel last autumn as an effective platform for rapidly sharing information, promoting best practice and encouraging co-operation across farming and crofting sectors to address both the short and long-term issues. I am delighted that today's announcement took place of a package of measures to support farmers, including £250,000 for fallen stock. We are taking steps to open discussions with the industry to explore how we can address shortages with feed and fodder. We are also conscious that we need to build greater resilience and collaborative solutions across the sector, which enable farmers and crofters to work together to get through short-term situations. That will be a key focus for the weather panel in the next few months. Bill Kidd. Thank you for that reply. On top of what that interesting reply contained, the personal aspects of farmers and crofters and what progress has been made to deliver the LFASS loans to hill and upland farmers and crofters who are likely to be feeling the financial impacts of recent weather the most. Although the financial impacts are fairly obvious, less visible with total of the weather and pressure that they are having on farmers and crofters' wellbeing, and especially their mental health. It is a good point. On the LFASS loan, I will say that the LFASS 2017 loan offers worth £57.4 million and has gone out to 10,828 farmers and crofters, or 97 per cent of those that we would expect to be eligible for LFASS payments. We are offering 90 per cent of the estimated final payment as a loan, and so far process 44.8 million of loan payments to 7,290 farmers and crofters. On the latter point, the second point that Bill Kidd makes is a very, very good one, and I heard Fergus Ewing speaking on it well on the radio that is being welcomed by the NFUS, which is the financial donation to RSA BI to help them to provide more vital and practical and emotional support for those who work in the agricultural sector. Those who might not be so aware of farming can be a very lonely livelihood, and the long winter that we have had can exacerbate, can increase unfortunate mental health issues. Therefore, the additional support and additional financial assistance to RSA BI is one that has been welcomed. 6. Emma Harper To remind members, I am the PLO to the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, to ask the Scottish Government when it last met the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and what was discussed. Hamza Yousaf On March 26, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity met George Eustis, the Minister for State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as part of a series of regular ministerial meetings between the UK Government and devolved administrations. Leslie Griffith, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs and officials from Northern Ireland's Executive were also in attendance. The main items that were discussed were the European Council meeting on the 22nd and 23rd of March, the European Government's proposed fisheries bill, environmental ambitions, frameworks and funding. Emma Harper I thank the minister for that response. I am interested to hear about any welfare issues that might have been discussed. The minister might be aware of various take-the-lead campaigns, including those sponsored by SNH and the Scottish Farmer, which all aim to promote responsible dog ownership to protect the welfare of animals, including sheep, when people access the countryside with dogs so as not to worry livestock while living sheep. Can the minister outline what action the Scottish Government has taken to tackle sheepworry and mutilation and deaths caused by the uncontrolled dogs in South Scotland as well as other Scottish farmers? That important welfare issue is one that the Scottish Government takes seriously, and it is one that I know that Emma Harper has been campaigning and championing for a while. I want to say that the Scottish Government fully supports all steps that are taken to protect sheep from out-of-control dogs. The consequences of sheepworrying can be devastating all year round, in particular during the lambing season. The Scottish National Heritage Campaign, taking the lead, has our whole hearted support in emphasising why dog owners have to act responsibly in ensuring that their dogs are kept under effective control in the countryside, including when they are livestock. It may be helpful to confirm that protection of livestock that act 1953 criminalises any dog owner who allows their dog to worry sheep. In addition, local authorities could consider creating by-law controls of dogs that have been an issue. Local authorities can issue dog control notices, including when out-of-control dog is close to livestock under the control of dog Scotland Act 2010. The Scottish Government always keeps laws under review and fully supports effective enforcement of the law in this area by justice agencies and local authorities. Supplementary Tavish Scott Is the minister aware—should the minister—that the NFU and Circle NorthLink today asked Michael Gove of the Secretary of State for Environment to come to Aberdeen and see the transport system that ensures that livestock is moved between the northern isles and the Scottish mainland in a way that is entirely consistent with international regulations? Would his Government make sure that the UK Government does not do anything that stops that from taking place? He might also want to reflect that that system was introduced and paid for under a previous utopian regime. I knew that I should not have set that one up for him to volley back later on, but I will take that offline with Tavish Scott. I am due to visit Shetland and Orkney myself later on this month. Perhaps that is an issue that I can engage on. While I am up there, I will mention it to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity. I am going to take question 7, Liam Kerr. To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its proposals for agricultural support after the UK leaves the EU. The Rural Economy Secretary set out key principles for this Government's vision for the future of farming and food production in a keynote speech at the NFUSAGM in February, in which the twin roles of farmers as both food producers and custodians of the countryside were highlighted. I hope that those principles and their approach with the Scottish Tories will fully support and further that they will support this Government in the Parliament's efforts to have all the powers over agricultural policy and funding transferred from Brussels to Scotland should we leave the EU that we need to realise a productive, sustainable future for Scottish farming and crofting. Given that it is outlined in DEFRA's health and harmony document that the UK Government are to maintain the same cash total funding for the sector until 2022, a commitment that has been reiterated by Michael Gove, it seems to be the case that the Scottish Government's official line and I quote, there is a lack of clarity from UK Government regarding the guarantee of funding is redundant. Given that NFUS, Scottish Land and Estates and many others have put their plans on the table in light of these assurances, why has the Scottish Government failed to act? I am saying you, sir. There is a lack of self-awareness sometimes from the Conservatives, which I find remarkable. It is a little bit like the arsonist who asks about health and safety after he is burned in the entire village. Although the UK Government has put forward what it claims to be a policy, there is of course no detail at all on that and to nick a Churchillian phrase, it is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. What I would say to Liam Kerr is that yes, we have a twin-pronged approach, we have our Government champions, we have the National Council of Rural Advisers doing a heck of a lot of work on this agenda. We are waiting for their reports. It will be coming soon and, of course, when that comes soon, we will update Parliament. However, I welcome and end on a positive note, Presiding Officer, by welcoming Liam Kerr's Damocene conversion, that, although his Tory colleagues are trying to use the courts to enforce their power grab over this Parliament, at least Liam Kerr believes that those powers should remain in Scotland and should remain in Scotland as something that he will get full support from the Scottish Government. Given that the majority of UK-bound ELFFAS payments from the EU go to Scottish farmers, is the minister aware of any plans by the UK Government to put in place a similar scheme post Brexit and has an impact assessment on ELFFAS withdrawal from the Scottish agricultural sector being done? No, and, of course, the cabinet secretary has been asking time and time again for more detail from the UK Government. I can hear the Conservatives' chuntering, and instead of chuntering from the sidelines, it would be great if they could join the Scottish Government in putting pressure on the UK Government to give the reassurance to our farmers. This sector is so needed and so vital to Scotland. Give us that reassurance, and, of course, everybody around this chamber will be happy to give the Conservative support in cajoling the UK Government to actually give that reassurance to farmers who desperately need it. That concludes the portfolio questions. Point of order, Mike Rumbles. I am not giving advance notice of this point of order, but the Attorney General has just said in the House of Commons that it has been the practice since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999 that every bill produced by the Scottish Executive and then the Scottish Government has been shared with the UK Government prior to publication. The Attorney General said that the purpose of this is to iron out any doubts that may exist about the competency of any bill. He then said that the Scottish Government's continuity bill, which is now before the Supreme Court, because of a competency dispute, is the only bill, the only bill that was not shared in advance with the UK Government. Deputy Presiding Officer, would you agree with me that this information should have been made available by the Scottish Government to this Parliament? We should not have heard about this through a question-and-answer session with the Attorney General in the House of Commons on TV this afternoon. Mr Rumbles will understand that this is the first that I have heard of this, and I presume that the first that anyone in this chamber has heard of this. Can I say to Mr Rumbles that I am not responsible for relationships between Governments that would be the Scottish Government and the UK Government. What you have said has now been recorded, and I am sure that it will be looked at with interest from all parties involved. The point of order is to Stevenson. Considering the previous point of order, will you also give thought to members' bills, committee bills and private bills, which I understand are an essential part of this Parliament's proceedings, which are not routinely shared with the UK Government in advance of their publication? Therefore, it may well be that, in his statement to the House of Commons, to the Parliament at Westminster, incomplete information has been provided. I say that as part of the consideration that you may choose to give to the point of order that preceded this one. I can sense a very interesting debate coming on here. Again, I am sure that everyone has listened to what Mr Stevenson has had to say. I certainly have. I am also sure that there will be a lot of reading going on by a lot of people later on this afternoon.