15. In regulation 44 (grant of licences for certain purposes) M1–
(a)after paragraph (2) insert–
“(2A) Subject to paragraph (2B), the appropriate authority may grant a licence to permit the taking or the possession or control of certain specimens of any of the species listed in Annex IV to the Habitats Directive notwithstanding that the licence is for a purpose not falling within paragraph (2).
(2B) The appropriate authority shall only grant a licence under paragraph (2A) where it is satisfied that the grant of the licence would be compatible with the restrictions in Article 16(1)(e) of the Habitats Directive.
(2C) Regulations 39, 41 and 43 do not apply to anything done under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the appropriate authority under paragraph (2A).”;
(b)for paragraph (4)(b) substitute–
“(b)in the case of any other licence granted under this regulation, the Scottish Ministers.”; and
(c)for paragraph (5) substitute–
“(5) The Scottish Ministers shall from time to time consult with the nature conservation bodies as to the exercise of the Scottish Ministers' functions under this regulation; and they shall not grant a licence of any description unless they have been advised by the appropriate nature conservation body as to the circumstances in which, in the opinion of the appropriate nature conservation body, licences of that description should be granted.”.
Marginal Citations
M1There are amendments to regulation 44 not relevant to these Regulations.