More detailed financial information is required before MSPs can vote on proposed water legislation, according to a Scottish Parliament committee.

The Scottish Executive has also been asked to change its strategy for flood prevention and rethink the planning powers which cover fish farms.

However, the transport and environment committee did back the general principles of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill.

The committee has issued its report

The planned legislation aims to reduce pollution while allowing for the "sustainable management" of water resources.

In its report the committee said several issues should be addressed before the parliament was asked to vote on Stage 1 of the bill.

Convener Bristow Muldoon said the committee believed it would be a positive move to implement the European Water Framework Directive.

But he said: "The committee is concerned by the executive's inability so far to reassure us that reliable financial projections of implementing the directive exist for the costs to industry, and ultimately the domestic consumer."

More information

He said ministers had also been unable to demonstrate the tangible benefits.

"We have therefore requested that the executive provides detailed financial information before the parliament votes on the general principles of the bill."

Mr Muldoon said MSPs also wanted more information about other costs, including those likely to affect the hydro-electric industry.

The report said an "anticipatory" approach to flooding should be introduced.

Fish-farming

It said effective flood avoidance strategies should be adopted rather than concentrating resources on dealing with the consequences.

MSPs also called for the transfer of planning powers over fish-farming from the Crown Estate to local authorities.

"The executive has so far resisted this position but the committee strongly recommends that the executive rethinks the matter," said the report.

Concerns over the cost implications of the legislation have previously been raised by Holyrood's finance committee.