Political arm wrestle over fishing quotas must end - McArthur (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Political arm wrestle over fishing quotas must end - McArthur

March 17, 2009 12:01 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liam McArthur MSP, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, has criticised the Scottish Government's refusal to publish the legal advice it received about the proposals on fishing quotas and licenses.

The Scottish Fisherman's Federation had previously asked for clarification over the legal position but in answers to Parliamentary Questions the Scottish Government said that it did not discuss legal matters publicly.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"The Scottish Government is only too happy to claim that the advice it has received for minimum alcohol pricing shows it to be legal. But when it comes to the livelihoods of Scottish fisherman all we hear is a firm 'no comment'. That is not good enough.

"The Scottish Fishing industry needs to feel confident that the Scottish Government is making decisions on its future based on firm evidence and sound legal advice. The political arm wrestling with Westminster over this issue must end. "