Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 26 April 2000 For Use: Immediately

Representatives of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar met today with Mr. Struan Stevenson, M.E.P. (Conservative European spokesman on fishing) and Mr. Jamie McGrigor, MSP, Conservative Deputy Spokesperson on Rural Affairs.

Items on the agenda included the future of the fishing industry and the role of Europe, Lingerbay and fuel costs in the Western Isles.

Speaking after the meeting, the Convener said:

"I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mr. Stevenson and Mr. McGrigor which provided an opportunity for discussions on several important issues facing the islands. It is important that we retain and develop links with all political representatives of the islands. On the 2002 review of the CFP I was encouraged by their strong support for retaining the 6 and 12 mile derogation around our coastline. I was also interested in their views on possible regionalisation within the CFP, which is broadly in line with the Comhairle’s long held views on decentralisation.

I also praised the European Parliament Fisheries Committee’s role in amending the EC Directive (90/424/EEC) on ISA. These amendments will allow greater flexibility in the management of I.S.A., and will be of direct benefit to the Western Isles salmon farming industry."

On the issue of high fuel prices, the Chairman of Transportation, Mr. Norman A. Macdonald, said:

"The issue of fuel costs in the islands being amongst the highest in the world was raised and I was encouraged that both Mr. McGrigor and Mr. Stevenson agreed with the Comhairle's position that it is simply untenable for such a situation to continue. I listened with interest to their view that there is scope for a rebate scheme on fuel prices."

The other main issue during the discussions was the still awaited decision on the proposed superquarry at Lingerbay. The Chairman of Development Services, Mr. Donald Maclean, commented:

"It is now almost five years since the Public Inquiry finished and yet still there is no sign of any decision emerging from the Scottish Executive. Mr. McGrigor has confirmed that he will raise the issue in the Parliament and press the Executive as to when people in the islands and the many other interested parties can expect a decision to be made."

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer