Section 38 – Information about fish farming and shellfish farming: economic, social and environmental aspects
78.Subsection (1) enables the Scottish Ministers to make an order for the purpose of obtaining information in relation to the economic, social and environmental aspects of fish farming and shellfish farming. The power to make orders under subsection (1) must be exercised by statutory instrument which is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament, by virtue of section 43 (Orders) of the Act.
79.Subsection (2) provides that orders under subsection (1) may require any person carrying on a business of fish farming or shellfish farming to provide such information as may be specified in the order; to compile such records as may be specified in the order; and to retain such records for such period as is specified in the order, subject to a three year maximum. Subsection (3) provides that an inspector may require the production of any record which a person is required to retain by virtue of an order under subsection (1), and may inspect or take copies of any such records (subsection (7) provides that “fish farming”, “inspector” and “shellfish farming” have the same meanings as in Part 1; so by virtue of section 12 (Interpretation: Part 1), an inspector is a person authorised by the Scottish Ministers to act as an inspector under the Act, whether generally or for a particular purpose.)
80.Subsection (5) makes it an offence to fail without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement of an order under section 38, or to provide false information or falsify a record. Such offences are punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (presently equivalent to £2,500).
