Current Petitions

Petition PE327 is from the Blairingone and Saline Action Group and is on the practice of spreading sewage sludge and other non-agriculturally derived waste on land in Scotland. We discussed the issue briefly at our last meeting, when members were informed that George Reid had written to suggest that Dorothy-Grace Elder should conduct an inquiry into the health aspects of the matter, as the Health and Community Care Committee cannot do so.Members will recall that Dorothy-Grace Elder agreed to consider whether an inquiry was needed, as the Executive has acknowledged that the practice of sludge spreading should be better regulated and proposed that strict biological standards should be introduced. Dorothy-Grace Elder's view is that she should conduct a quick inquiry and report to the committee on the petition's health aspects. It would also be appropriate for the committee to appoint an adviser with an appropriate professional background to assist Dorothy-Grace Elder. Do we agree that she should be appointed as a reporter on the issue and that the clerks should begin the procedures to appoint an adviser?Members indicated agreement.

Is Dorothy-Grace Elder happy with that?