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The cost of the new objective mesh gauge (Omega) is approximately £1,500 per gauge. The last time wedge gauges were purchased for enforcement officers was some 15 years ago. The cost then was approximately £35 per gauge.

We have no plans to offer compensation in such circumstances.

The results of the laboratory trials showed that there was no significant difference between the objective mesh gauge (Omega) and the wedge-shaped gauge. In the field trials conducted by fisheries inspectors, in meshes of 55 mm or more, the measurements taken by the wedge gauge were on average 3 mm greater that those measured with the Omega gauge using a force of 100N. There was no significant difference in meshes of less than 55 mm. The Omega gauge in operational service currently uses a force of 125N to measure meshes of 55 mm or more.

The genesis of the Omega can be traced back to the late 1990s, when a research project funded by the European Commission evaluated mesh measurement methodologies for fisheries inspection and research. An international study group was subsequently set up by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in 1999. The study group presented its final report in 2003, including the recommendation that everyone should use the same method of mesh measurement using longitudinal force. The task of developing a new gauge was undertaken in an EU sponsored research project, the Omega project. The partners in the project included fisheries inspection services and fisheries research institutes from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Scotland. Fisheries research institutes from EU member countries and ICES member countries, as well as Turkey, the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), netting manufacturers and fishermen were involved in testing and evaluating the Omega gauge. Extensive trials were carried out under both laboratory conditions and at sea.

There is no contract between Scottish Government and Scottish Agricultural College which regulates animal health surveillance activities. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28511 on 10 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The work is managed through a Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out the framework and a series of descriptors, revised annually, which set out the detail of what is required.

The surveillance work carried out by Scottish Agricultural College is partly led by the demand for laboratory investigation from farmers and veterinary surgeons. Disease surveillance activities carried out by Scottish Agricultural College are monitored through a system of formal monthly, quarterly and annual reports and twice yearly formal meetings between Scottish Government and Scottish Agricultural College staff. These formal arrangements are supplemented by frequent ad hoc reports and meetings.

There are currently no plans to review the policy on asset management and relocation.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28225 on 6 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28225 on 6 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Where an analysis of the asset management and location requirements for a specific public body indicates the possibility of a relocation, the Scottish Government will engage with appropriate local authorities about the specific circumstances.

We have received a number of representations from private and public sector organisations, local authorities and MSP''s regarding potential public sector relocation opportunities.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28227 on 10 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

In 2008, the Scottish Government announced its approach to considering the effective management of property assets and the location of public bodies. This approach puts decisions about the location of public bodies in the context of the need to seek maximum efficiency from the use of the existing public sector estate, ensuring the operational effectiveness of individual organisations and obtaining the best value for money for the overall Scottish Government.

In considering the accommodation requirements of relevant public bodies, an analysis is undertaken of the business needs of the organisation to review its business functions, how these are delivered and to what extent any of them are location dependent. That process allows identification of the most efficient options for accommodating the body in question, including consideration of location.

In the last two years, four organisations have been considered. These were the Mental Welfare Commission, Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland, the Standards Commission and the Chief Investigating Officer. This has resulted in all four organisations satisfying the requirements of the asset management policy on relocation.