This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Independent report into fishing industry
11/03/2004
Fisheries Minister Allan Wilson today welcomed the findings of an independent think tank into the situation facing the fishing industry.
Mr Wilson said:
"The launch of this inquiry last May by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) was widely welcomed by industry and politicians alike. I hope these extremely well-researched and coherent findings will be just as well received.
"I particularly welcome confirmation from the RSE that withdrawing from the CFP could prove hugely damaging to our national interest and that in practice it would likely result in no improvement to the situation faced by our fishermen.
"The report recognises as I do, that there is a need for reform, but contends that by far the best approach is to press for change from within.
"Scottish Ministers will certainly be giving these recommendations our fullest consideration. The No10 Strategy Unit Report is due to be published later this month and I look forward to considering both reports in tandem as we continue to take steps to safeguard the social, economic and cultural importance of this great industry."
The RSE is Scotland's National Academy of Science & Letters. It is an independent body with charitable status. The Society organises conferences and lectures for the specialist and general public. It provides a forum for informed debate on issues of national and international importance.
Its multidisciplinary fellowship of men and women of international standing provides independent, expert advice to key decision making bodies, including Government and Parliament.
The RSE, working as part of the UK and within a global context, is committed to the future of Scotland's social, economic and cultural well-being.
The No10 Strategy Unit has also undertaken a study into the Fishing industry. The report is due to be published on March 25.