Deer (Scotland) Act 1996

4 Appointment of panels.S

(1)Subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, [F1SNH] may appoint for any locality a panel for the purposes of this section consisting of such number of persons F2... as [F3it considers ] appropriate, one of whom shall act as chairman.

(2)Before making an appointment under subsection (1) above, [F1SNH] may afford to such persons or organisations as [F4it thinks] fit an opportunity to suggest the name of any person who would in [F5its] view be an appropriate person for such an appointment.

(3)Where [F1SNH] [F6has] sought suggestions as mentioned in subsection (2) above, [F7it] shall consider any such suggestions before making an appointment under subsection (1) above.

(4)[F1SNH] may appoint a member of [F1SNH] or a member of [F1SNH's ] staff to act as observer to the panel for the purposes of—

(a)sitting with the panel at any meeting;

(b)taking part in their discussions; and

(c)informing [F1SNH] of information arising during and decisions taken at such meetings.

(5)An observer appointed under subsection (4) above shall not be a member of the panel.

(6)[F1SNH] may refer to any such panel any matter relating to the [F8deer] functions of [F1SNH], and it shall be the duty of the panel to advise [F1SNH] on the matter.

[F9(7)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision conferring further functions on panels.

(8)Functions conferred under subsection (7) may include—

(a)encouraging and facilitating the engagement of the local community in deer management in the locality of a panel,

(b)looking into issues relating to deer management in the locality of a panel and communicating those issues to the local community,

(c)communicating the views of the local community to those engaged in deer management in the locality of a panel.

(9)Regulations under subsection (7) may modify any enactment (including this Act).]

Textual Amendments