Men0008

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 30 August 2000 at 9.00 am

PRESENT

Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)

Mr Angus Nicolson (Vice-Chairman)

Mr George Lonie

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr James L Macarthur

Welcome: Mr Keith Mackay

The Chairman welcomed Mr Keith Mackay, Local Quality Manager, West of Scotland Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Scheme to the Meeting and indicated that Mr Mackay would answer any questions which Members had in respect of the radiation monitoring programme for 1999/2000.

MINUTES

Environmental Services

CH01.02

54

The Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 was approved.

Environmental Services Sub-Committee

CH01.02

55

The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 17 May 2000 was approved.

CONSTITUTION

Appointment to Environmental Services Sub-Committee

C02.01

56

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report indicating that, following Mr Norman A Macdonald's resignation as Chairman of the Sub-Committee a vacancy existed on the Environmental Services Sub-Committee. Members were asked to appoint a member to fill the vacancy.

It was agreed that Mr Angus Nicolson be appointed to Environmental Services Sub-Committee.

FINANCE

First Quarter Revenue Outturn

57

With reference to item 43 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Account, for the three months ended 30 June 2000, The report compared such income and expenditure with the revenue estimates of income and expenditure.

It was agreed to note the report.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: First Quarter

CH01.04

58*

With reference to item 4 of the minute of meeting of 2 February 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the programme of capital expenditure for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The report detailed the approved expenditure and actual and committed expenditure as at 30 June 2000 for each service. It was indicated that the forecast net expenditure in 2000/2001 was £15,465,000, which compared with the initial approved programme of £15,570,000. Details of the forecast out-turn against specific projects were appended to the report. An outline of variations proposed was set out in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the revised approved capital programme for 2000/2001;

(2) £168,000 be accelerated into the revised approved programme for 2000/2001 for Education in respect of work on the Crush Hall and west wing at The Nicolson Institute;

(3) £37,000 be included in the programme for Safer Routes to School following specific section 94 consent being made available;

(4) net expenditure of £34,000 for St Brendan's kitchen improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme;

(5) net expenditure of £105,000 for Dun Eisdean Dementia Unit be transferred from the reserve list of projects to the capital programme on the basis of funding from slippage within the programme;

(6) an additional sum of £50,000 be included in the capital programme, funded from slippage, to meet the expected additional costs of the Home Care Information System;

(7) the Balivanich Community Regeneration expenditure of £234,000 be included in the capital programme on confirmation of additional consent being awarded;

(8) an overspend of £134,000 in respect of rock royalties for the Eriskay Causeway be included in the capital programme in 2001/2002 on the basis of funding from slippage;

(9) net expenditure of £35,000 for the Ard ma Ruibh waiting room be transferred from the conditional list of projects to the capital programme;

(10) the guarantee for An Lanntair in respect of the arts centre in Stornoway be removed from the capital programme;

(11) net expenditure of £250,000 in respect of the Leverburgh Basin and Breakwater be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme;

(12) expenditure of £30,000 in respect of the Tarbert Village improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; and

(13) the Director of Finance be authorised to seek to obtain £1,000,000 additional section 94 consent in 2000/2001, to be repaid in 2001/2002 or 2002/2003.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue Programme 2000/2001

59

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services account from 1 April 2000 - 30 June 2000.

It was agreed to note the Report.

TRADING STANDARDS

Office of Fair Trading's Report on Fuel Prices

CH02.04.10

60*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the findings of the Office of Fair Trading's investigation into petrol and diesel pricing in the Highlands and Islands which had been published in July 2000. The OFT had concluded that no specific action was warranted in respect of the Highlands and Islands as a whole, however they had not been able to conclude that the market within the Western Isles was working competitively. The OFT would be further investigating the supply of petrol and diesel in the Western Isles. The Report further indicated that this review would also take into consideration the supply of marine diesel and the Comhairle's concerns in respect of heating oil would be considered as part of the OFT's informal UK wide review of that particular market.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) whilst sharing the disappointment expressed by others that the OFT did not consider there was any action to be taken in respect of the problem of high petrol and diesel prices within the Highlands and Islands as a whole, the Comhairle welcomed the separate investigation to be undertaken by the OFT in the Western Isles; and

(2) the Comhairle remain committed to co-operating fully with the OFT during its latest investigation;

Health and Consumer Services Best Value Terms of Reference

CH02.01

61*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing terms of reference for a Best Value Review for Health and Consumer Services. The Report indicated that the Best Value Review Plan for Environmental Services had been revised to incorporate all services provided by the Health and Consumer Services Section into one Best Value Review.

It was agreed to recommend that the Terms of Reference for the Best Value Review of Health and Consumer Services, as detailed in the appendix to the Report, be approved.

Redundant Weighing and Measuring Equipment

CH02.02

62*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report indicating that as a result of legislative changes and advances in technology, the Comhairle had accumulated a stock of weighing and measuring equipment for which there was no longer a need. A set of test weights had been advertised for sale by sealed offer while the rest of the equipment had been offered to Museum nan Eilean to add to their collection.

It was agreed to recommend that the action taken by the Acting Director of Environmental Services in disposing of redundant weighing and measuring equipment be homologated.

Amendment of Enforcement Policy - Health and Safety

CH02.01

63*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking amendments to the Comhairle's enforcement policy to take account of possible conflicts of interest in premises where the Comhairle may have an interest at the same time as an enforcement role in terms of health and safety legislation. The suggested amendments followed recent guidance received from the Health and Safety Executive.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the guidance given in HELA 22/10 regarding conflict of interest be taken into account when enforcing legislation in premises in which the Comhairle had an interest; and

(2) the amended policy detailed the appendix to the Report be approved.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Financial Planning for Waste Collection and Disposal Services

CH03.08

64*

With reference to item 23 of the minute of meeting of the of 29 March 2000, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a report regarding the financial environment for development of waste collection and disposal services to meet legal duties and service aspirations. The changes required to refuse collection and disposal to meet the European Union Landfill Directive were set out in the report, together with an assessment of the impact of the associated costs on the community. It was stated that it would be necessary to find appropriate solutions to the difficulties identified and to make the best case possible for additional support funding. It was indicated that the scale of any bid for service improvements, even on a phased basis, would be too great for consideration as part of the growth/savings element of the budget process and should be considered as part of the budget strategy.

It was agreed to recommend that firm costs of the phased introduction of improvements to the waste collection and disposal services previously recommended, including any costs of collecting recyclables, be considered as part of the budget strategy.

Radiation Monitoring During 1999/2000

CH03.13

65

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the results of the Radiation Monitoring Programme for 1999/2000. The results detailed fluctuations in levels from previous years, but the overall levels were so small that they were more likely to be due to variations in sampling and analysis procedures rather than changes in radiation levels in the environment. The Report indicated that levels of radiation detected in the Western Isles were well below the generalised derived limits and in many cases below the limits of detection.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Implementation of controls of contaminated land

CH03.06

66*

With reference to Item 24 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle's regulatory role in respect of contaminated land. The Comhairle was required to adopt a formal written statement of its strategy for the identification, inspection and remediation of contaminated land by 14 October 2001.

It was agreed to recommend that a contaminated land inter-departmental working group be set up with a remit to prepare a formal written contaminated land strategy by 30 June 2001.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services submit a Report detailing the results of SEPA's investigations into the cause of substantial numbers of dead fish being discovered in an area downstream of the water treatment plant in Carloway. The Report would also address issues in respect of implementing suitable mechanisms to allow information from SEPA to be relayed to Members.

Priority Areas for Treatment of Sheep Scab

CH03.05

67*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the results of the latest survey on the prevalence of sheep scab. The success of any proposed scheme to eradicate sheep scab would require a co-ordinated approach to dipping. Priority should be given to the recognised hot spots identified by the survey and the animal health officer would meet with grazings clerks from these areas to agree treatment dates, products to be used and resolve any possible problems.

It was agreed to recommend that the areas of Carloway, North Lochs, Bernera, East Harris, South Uist and Barra be considered the highest priority for the co-ordinated treatment of sheep scab.

Update on Classification of Shellfish Waters

CH03.06

68

With reference to item 61 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the current position in respect of the classification of shellfish waters. A previous report had outlined the resources and costs necessary to expand the classification and monitoring of inshore waters for shellfish gathering. The Report further detailed the results of a consultation exercise which had been carried out to ensure that any efforts to increase sampling were directed to the areas of most interest to the shellfish industry. A Report on the costs and potential funding sources for future sampling would be brought to the next meeting.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Sampling Charges for Private Water Supplies

CH03.06

69*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an anomaly within the Comhairle's charging scheme for sampling private water supplies whereby some single dwelling residents sharing a source of water were charged for sampling whereas similar properties not sharing a source of water were not charged.

It was agreed to recommend that the charging scheme for private water supplies be amended to waive charges for sampling Class E supplies which compromised groups of single residents taking water from the same source.

Consultation on Managing Change in the Water Industry

CH03.06

70*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the Scottish Executive's Consultation paper in respect of managing change in the Scottish Water and Sewage Industry. The consultation paper indicated that the Scottish Executive was committed to introducing greater competition in the water industry and consequently the paper focused on the safeguards that may be required to protect consumers in the light of this increased competition. Response to the consultation document was required by 15 September 2000.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Acting Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Chairman of Environmental Services and taking into account the views expressed by the Committee, be authorised to respond on behalf of the Comhairle to the Scottish Executive's consultation paper "Managing Change in the Water Industry"; and

(2) the response be copied to the Scottish Parliament's Transport and Environment Committee.

COASTAL PROTECTION

Marine Erosion Expenditure at Luskentyre Cemetery

PR60.01

71*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning works undertaken as a result of wind blown sand accumulations in Luskentrye old cemetery. As a result of fine wind blown sand a large proportion of the South East part of the cemetery was covered which made opening graves, conducting interments and grounds maintenance in that area impossible. Contractors had been invited to assess and quote for the remedial works which had not been budgeted for. The Report further detailed the ongoing problems of coastal erosion at the cemetery and sought permission to commission a study of the problem to assess the short and mid-term effect on security at Luskentyre Cemetery.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the action by the cleansing client to undertake works in the removal of wind blown sand at Luskentyre old cemetery be homologated; and

(2) an in house study be commissioned to assess the risk proposed by marine erosion at Luskentyre old cemetery and propose solutions to the problem.

Coastal Erosion at Lionacleit

DS60.01

PR60.01

72*

With reference to item 72 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the extent of coastal erosion along the coastline South and East of Lionacleit School. A study had been carried out in 1985 by Ian White Associates and since October 1997 Technical Services Consultancy had been monitoring coastal erosion in the area surrounding Lionacleit School. The continued monitoring had shown erosion was broadly in line with the predictions from Ian Whites Associates and, in light of continued concerns regarding the loss of land and consequent pressure on the remaining land, consideration should be given to commissioning an update of the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Technical Services Consultancy continue to monitor the dunes and coastline and report to committee on an annual basis; and

(2) Ian White Associates be commissioned to provide a Report to the Comhairle taking into account local knowledge of the area, and giving erosion predictions and recommendations on measures which may be adopted to manage the dune/machair areas at Lionacleit School

CONFERENCES

Nuclear Free Local Authorities

CH13.03

73*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the Annual Conference and AGM of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities to be held in Oxford on 14 - 15 September 2000. The Report detailed the conference programme.

It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman or his nominee be authorised to represent the Comhairle at the AGM and Annual Conference 2000 of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities to be held in Oxford on 14 - 15 September 2000.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

74

The Director of Corporate Services indicated that there were no Reports outstanding from decisions of Environmental Services Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)
	Mr Angus Nicolson (Vice-Chairman)	Mr George Lonie
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Alasdair G Macrae
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mrs Morag Munro
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr James L Macarthur

Welcome: Mr Keith Mackay		The Chairman welcomed Mr Keith Mackay, Local Quality Manager, West of Scotland Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Scheme to the Meeting and indicated that Mr Mackay would answer any questions which Members had in respect of the radiation monitoring programme for 1999/2000.
		MINUTES
Environmental Services CH01.02	54	The Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 was approved.
Environmental Services Sub-Committee CH01.02	55	The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 17 May 2000 was approved.
		CONSTITUTION
Appointment to Environmental Services Sub-Committee C02.01	56	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report indicating that, following Mr Norman A Macdonald's resignation as Chairman of the Sub-Committee a vacancy existed on the Environmental Services Sub-Committee. Members were asked to appoint a member to fill the vacancy.
		It was agreed that Mr Angus Nicolson be appointed to Environmental Services Sub-Committee.
		FINANCE
First Quarter Revenue Outturn	57	With reference to item 43 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Account, for the three months ended 30 June 2000, The report compared such income and expenditure with the revenue estimates of income and expenditure. It was agreed to note the report.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: First Quarter CH01.04	58*	With reference to item 4 of the minute of meeting of 2 February 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the programme of capital expenditure for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The report detailed the approved expenditure and actual and committed expenditure as at 30 June 2000 for each service. It was indicated that the forecast net expenditure in 2000/2001 was £15,465,000, which compared with the initial approved programme of £15,570,000. Details of the forecast out-turn against specific projects were appended to the report. An outline of variations proposed was set out in the report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the revised approved capital programme for 2000/2001; (2) £168,000 be accelerated into the revised approved programme for 2000/2001 for Education in respect of work on the Crush Hall and west wing at The Nicolson Institute; (3) £37,000 be included in the programme for Safer Routes to School following specific section 94 consent being made available; (4) net expenditure of £34,000 for St Brendan's kitchen improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; (5) net expenditure of £105,000 for Dun Eisdean Dementia Unit be transferred from the reserve list of projects to the capital programme on the basis of funding from slippage within the programme; (6) an additional sum of £50,000 be included in the capital programme, funded from slippage, to meet the expected additional costs of the Home Care Information System; (7) the Balivanich Community Regeneration expenditure of £234,000 be included in the capital programme on confirmation of additional consent being awarded; (8) an overspend of £134,000 in respect of rock royalties for the Eriskay Causeway be included in the capital programme in 2001/2002 on the basis of funding from slippage; (9) net expenditure of £35,000 for the Ard ma Ruibh waiting room be transferred from the conditional list of projects to the capital programme; (10) the guarantee for An Lanntair in respect of the arts centre in Stornoway be removed from the capital programme; (11) net expenditure of £250,000 in respect of the Leverburgh Basin and Breakwater be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; (12) expenditure of £30,000 in respect of the Tarbert Village improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; and (13) the Director of Finance be authorised to seek to obtain £1,000,000 additional section 94 consent in 2000/2001, to be repaid in 2001/2002 or 2002/2003.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue Programme 2000/2001	59	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services account from 1 April 2000 - 30 June 2000.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
		TRADING STANDARDS
Office of Fair Trading's Report on Fuel Prices CH02.04.10	60*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the findings of the Office of Fair Trading's investigation into petrol and diesel pricing in the Highlands and Islands which had been published in July 2000. The OFT had concluded that no specific action was warranted in respect of the Highlands and Islands as a whole, however they had not been able to conclude that the market within the Western Isles was working competitively. The OFT would be further investigating the supply of petrol and diesel in the Western Isles. The Report further indicated that this review would also take into consideration the supply of marine diesel and the Comhairle's concerns in respect of heating oil would be considered as part of the OFT's informal UK wide review of that particular market.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) whilst sharing the disappointment expressed by others that the OFT did not consider there was any action to be taken in respect of the problem of high petrol and diesel prices within the Highlands and Islands as a whole, the Comhairle welcomed the separate investigation to be undertaken by the OFT in the Western Isles; and (2) the Comhairle remain committed to co-operating fully with the OFT during its latest investigation;
Health and Consumer Services Best Value Terms of Reference CH02.01	61*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing terms of reference for a Best Value Review for Health and Consumer Services. The Report indicated that the Best Value Review Plan for Environmental Services had been revised to incorporate all services provided by the Health and Consumer Services Section into one Best Value Review.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Terms of Reference for the Best Value Review of Health and Consumer Services, as detailed in the appendix to the Report, be approved.
Redundant Weighing and Measuring Equipment CH02.02	62*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report indicating that as a result of legislative changes and advances in technology, the Comhairle had accumulated a stock of weighing and measuring equipment for which there was no longer a need. A set of test weights had been advertised for sale by sealed offer while the rest of the equipment had been offered to Museum nan Eilean to add to their collection.
		It was agreed to recommend that the action taken by the Acting Director of Environmental Services in disposing of redundant weighing and measuring equipment be homologated.
Amendment of Enforcement Policy - Health and Safety CH02.01	63*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking amendments to the Comhairle's enforcement policy to take account of possible conflicts of interest in premises where the Comhairle may have an interest at the same time as an enforcement role in terms of health and safety legislation. The suggested amendments followed recent guidance received from the Health and Safety Executive.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the guidance given in HELA 22/10 regarding conflict of interest be taken into account when enforcing legislation in premises in which the Comhairle had an interest; and (2) the amended policy detailed the appendix to the Report be approved.
		ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Financial Planning for Waste Collection and Disposal Services CH03.08	64*	With reference to item 23 of the minute of meeting of the of 29 March 2000, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a report regarding the financial environment for development of waste collection and disposal services to meet legal duties and service aspirations. The changes required to refuse collection and disposal to meet the European Union Landfill Directive were set out in the report, together with an assessment of the impact of the associated costs on the community. It was stated that it would be necessary to find appropriate solutions to the difficulties identified and to make the best case possible for additional support funding. It was indicated that the scale of any bid for service improvements, even on a phased basis, would be too great for consideration as part of the growth/savings element of the budget process and should be considered as part of the budget strategy. It was agreed to recommend that firm costs of the phased introduction of improvements to the waste collection and disposal services previously recommended, including any costs of collecting recyclables, be considered as part of the budget strategy.

Radiation Monitoring During 1999/2000 CH03.13	65	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the results of the Radiation Monitoring Programme for 1999/2000. The results detailed fluctuations in levels from previous years, but the overall levels were so small that they were more likely to be due to variations in sampling and analysis procedures rather than changes in radiation levels in the environment. The Report indicated that levels of radiation detected in the Western Isles were well below the generalised derived limits and in many cases below the limits of detection.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Implementation of controls of contaminated land CH03.06	66*	With reference to Item 24 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle's regulatory role in respect of contaminated land. The Comhairle was required to adopt a formal written statement of its strategy for the identification, inspection and remediation of contaminated land by 14 October 2001.
		It was agreed to recommend that a contaminated land inter-departmental working group be set up with a remit to prepare a formal written contaminated land strategy by 30 June 2001.
		Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services submit a Report detailing the results of SEPA's investigations into the cause of substantial numbers of dead fish being discovered in an area downstream of the water treatment plant in Carloway. The Report would also address issues in respect of implementing suitable mechanisms to allow information from SEPA to be relayed to Members.
Priority Areas for Treatment of Sheep Scab CH03.05	67*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the results of the latest survey on the prevalence of sheep scab. The success of any proposed scheme to eradicate sheep scab would require a co-ordinated approach to dipping. Priority should be given to the recognised hot spots identified by the survey and the animal health officer would meet with grazings clerks from these areas to agree treatment dates, products to be used and resolve any possible problems.
		It was agreed to recommend that the areas of Carloway, North Lochs, Bernera, East Harris, South Uist and Barra be considered the highest priority for the co-ordinated treatment of sheep scab.
Update on Classification of Shellfish Waters CH03.06	68	With reference to item 61 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the current position in respect of the classification of shellfish waters. A previous report had outlined the resources and costs necessary to expand the classification and monitoring of inshore waters for shellfish gathering. The Report further detailed the results of a consultation exercise which had been carried out to ensure that any efforts to increase sampling were directed to the areas of most interest to the shellfish industry. A Report on the costs and potential funding sources for future sampling would be brought to the next meeting.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Sampling Charges for Private Water Supplies CH03.06	69*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning an anomaly within the Comhairle's charging scheme for sampling private water supplies whereby some single dwelling residents sharing a source of water were charged for sampling whereas similar properties not sharing a source of water were not charged.
		It was agreed to recommend that the charging scheme for private water supplies be amended to waive charges for sampling Class E supplies which compromised groups of single residents taking water from the same source.
Consultation on Managing Change in the Water Industry CH03.06	70*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the Scottish Executive's Consultation paper in respect of managing change in the Scottish Water and Sewage Industry. The consultation paper indicated that the Scottish Executive was committed to introducing greater competition in the water industry and consequently the paper focused on the safeguards that may be required to protect consumers in the light of this increased competition. Response to the consultation document was required by 15 September 2000.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Chairman of Environmental Services and taking into account the views expressed by the Committee, be authorised to respond on behalf of the Comhairle to the Scottish Executive's consultation paper "Managing Change in the Water Industry"; and (2) the response be copied to the Scottish Parliament's Transport and Environment Committee.
		COASTAL PROTECTION
Marine Erosion Expenditure at Luskentyre Cemetery PR60.01	71*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning works undertaken as a result of wind blown sand accumulations in Luskentrye old cemetery. As a result of fine wind blown sand a large proportion of the South East part of the cemetery was covered which made opening graves, conducting interments and grounds maintenance in that area impossible. Contractors had been invited to assess and quote for the remedial works which had not been budgeted for. The Report further detailed the ongoing problems of coastal erosion at the cemetery and sought permission to commission a study of the problem to assess the short and mid-term effect on security at Luskentyre Cemetery.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the action by the cleansing client to undertake works in the removal of wind blown sand at Luskentyre old cemetery be homologated; and (2) an in house study be commissioned to assess the risk proposed by marine erosion at Luskentyre old cemetery and propose solutions to the problem.
Coastal Erosion at Lionacleit DS60.01 PR60.01	72*	With reference to item 72 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the extent of coastal erosion along the coastline South and East of Lionacleit School. A study had been carried out in 1985 by Ian White Associates and since October 1997 Technical Services Consultancy had been monitoring coastal erosion in the area surrounding Lionacleit School. The continued monitoring had shown erosion was broadly in line with the predictions from Ian Whites Associates and, in light of continued concerns regarding the loss of land and consequent pressure on the remaining land, consideration should be given to commissioning an update of the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Technical Services Consultancy continue to monitor the dunes and coastline and report to committee on an annual basis; and (2) Ian White Associates be commissioned to provide a Report to the Comhairle taking into account local knowledge of the area, and giving erosion predictions and recommendations on measures which may be adopted to manage the dune/machair areas at Lionacleit School
		CONFERENCES
Nuclear Free Local Authorities CH13.03	73*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the Annual Conference and AGM of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities to be held in Oxford on 14 - 15 September 2000. The Report detailed the conference programme.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman or his nominee be authorised to represent the Comhairle at the AGM and Annual Conference 2000 of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities to be held in Oxford on 14 - 15 September 2000.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	74	The Director of Corporate Services indicated that there were no Reports outstanding from decisions of Environmental Services Committee.
		It was agreed to note the Report.