Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee

1. South of Scotland Enterprise Bill: The Committee will take evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from— Garry Clark, Development Management, East of Scotland, Federation of Small Businesses; Matt Lancashire, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Council for Development and Industry; Margaret Simpson, Director, Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber; Norma Austin Hart, Chief Executive Officer, Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway. 2. European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018: The Committee will consider proposals by the Scottish Government to consent to the UK Government legislating using the powers under the Act in relation to the following UK statutory instrument proposals— The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018; The Rural Development (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2018; The Rural Development (Implementing and Delegated Acts) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018; The Common Provisions (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2018; The Common Agricultural Policy (Direct Payments to Farmers) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018; The Common Agricultural Policy (Rules for Direct Payments) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018; and The Trade in Animals and Related Products (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018. 3. Public petitions: The Committee will consider the following petition- PE1598 by Guy Linley-Adams on behalf of Salmon & Trout Conservation Scotland on Protecting wild salmonids from sea lice from Scottish salmon farms 4. South of Scotland Enterprise Bill (in private): The Committee will review the evidence it has heard on the South of Scotland Enterprise Bill at today's meeting.