To ensure Committee business is despatched as efficiently as possible and according to the Standing Orders.

1.1 Since the establishment of the new Committee in July 2005, there have been an unusual number of complex and difficult issues to consider. The Committee membership now includes a wider diversity of expertise than in the past and it is evident that a large number of Members wish to speak on many of the agenda items. In addition there are more Members who are appointed because they have special knowledge. It is important that these Members with special expertise contribute to relevant agenda items but the identification of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interest is made more difficult.

1.2 Members have expressed concern that it may be necessary to apply the Standing Orders more strictly in order to limit the number and length of contributions. Clearer guidance on Members’ responsibilities in relation to agenda items in which they have an interest has also been requested from Government.

2.1 The relevant section from the Committee’s Standing Orders on the rules relating to Members’ contributions are attached at Annex A.

2.2 It is not the wish of the Chairman or the Chief Executive that these Standing Orders should be strictly applied in a way which could limit debate. In order to increase efficiency, fairness and ensure all knowledge and expertise of Members is received by the Committee, Members are invited to refresh their awareness of these Standing Orders and support the Chairman in applying them in meetings.

3.1 Both Defra and NAW have declined to provide further advice to SFC on the extent to which Members may contribute to agenda items on which they have a personal interest. Therefore the guidance issued by MAFF (now Defra continues to apply. This guidance is attached at Annex B. It requires that Members declare interests as is the current practice and must not speak or vote on items in which they have an interest unless they have dispensation from the Secretary of State. The Committee's policy to date is that Members have an automatic dispensation to speak on items on which they have an interest, by virtue of their appointment by Ministers.

3.2 Accordingly, Officers recommend that the Committee strictly follows its current practice of declaring pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in agenda items at the start of the meeting. Members should feel able to speak on items on which they have an interest within the terms of the Standing Orders to ensure that all Members' expertise is available to the Committee.