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The new EU technical conservation regulation under the cod recovery plan was published on 19 October 2001. On 19 November, the Executive sent a draft guidance note to the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) for comments. On 21 November, the SFF offered comments by telephone. The Executive then issued the guidance to all fishing vessel licence holders in Scotland on 23 November 2001.No disagreements of a substantive nature were highlighted at this time by fishing industry representatives.

The Scottish Air Transport Consultation Document will address a wide variety of issues relating to air transport in the Highlands and Islands. This will include the role of Public Service Obligations and the cost of air travel. The consultation process provides an opportunity for anyone with an interest in those topics to offer views.

The Executive is in regular dialogue with the European Commission about the operation of the EU/Norway Salmon Agreement. Close contact will be maintained following the announcement that the Commission intends to conduct an interim review of the present arrangements and as expiry of the agreement approaches.

The Scottish Executive issued a letter of guidance to every fishing vessel licence holder in Scotland on 23 November 2001. This guidance summarised the new requirements brought in by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2056/2001 establishing additional technical measures for the recovery of the stocks of cod in the North Sea and to the west of Scotland. This regulation entered into force on 1 January 2002.

Applications to the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 had to be submitted by 31 October 2001. Applicants who have been offered a grant will have until 31 March 2002 to decommission their vessel and submit all the relevant paperwork.

I am currently meeting with a number of area tourist boards to find out the key issues that matter most to them. I will then decide how best to take forward the review.

The agency's performance against its targets in 2000-01 was published in full in its Annual Report and Accounts laid before the Scottish Parliament in August (Bib. number 15417). The performance against its targets in 2001-02 will be reported in the Annual Report and Accounts to be laid before the Scottish Parliament in 2002.For 2002-03 I have set the agency the following key performance targets:Quantitative targetsAchievement of a target income of £120,000 from new work or new customers.Completion of 96% of all scientific tests and analysis within the timescales set by customers.Improvement in the unit cost of the scientific work of the agency (cost per direct scientific hour).As part of the agency's rolling programme of consultation with customers, ensuring that 95% of the customers surveyed are at least "satisfied".Milestone targets Fulfilment of the Service Level Agreement within the budget agreed with the Environment and Rural Affairs Department.Formal quality assurance accreditation for the Pesticide Usage Surveying work of the agency.

Yes. I will be representing the Scottish Executive as part of the UK delegation.

It is not possible to estimate with any degree of precision a breakdown by region of Air Passenger Duty (APD) collected in Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands. From 1 April 2001, passengers travelling from airports in the Highlands and Islands have been exempt from APD.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21331 on 17 January 2002. A note of the outcome of the Fisheries Council has also been sent to the Convenor of the Rural Development Committee.