[{"UniqueID":135093,"EventID":"S1O-00003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a disability task force to develop a co-ordinated strategy to remove unnecessary barriers preventing people with a disability from enjoyin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a disability task force to develop a co-ordinated strategy to remove unnecessary barriers preventing people with a disability from enjoying an independent and fulfilled life","AnswerText":"The Government set up a Disability Rights Task Force in 1997 to report on how to secure comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people. Their report is expected later this year. One of their early recommendations was to set up a Disability Rights Commission to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled people, promote equality of opportunity and good practice, and to advise the Government on the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The proposal is for a Commission for Great Britain with an office in Scotland. A Bill is presently before Parliament at Westminster.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135094,"EventID":"S1O-00010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for reviewing the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for reviewing the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence.","AnswerText":"We must deal effectively with domestic and sexual violence. Expert advice has already been commissioned; and we will review current arrangements when we receive it. For example, the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Violence is developing a strategy on domestic violence; the MacLean Committee is reviewing the sentencing and treatment of serious sexual and violent offenders, who may have personality disorders; and an expert panel chaired by Lady Cosgrove is looking at sex offending and supervision in the community.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135095,"EventID":"S1O-00013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for reviewing the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for reviewing the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Rural Affairs and I met representatives of the salmon farming industry on 11 June. Discussion ranged over a number of issues affecting the industry but, inevitably, concentrated on the scope for assistance for those affected by ISA. We made clear that the £9 million offered by the Secretary of State on 8 February remained on the table. We expressed reservations about the industry's insurance proposal which could expose the taxpayer to uncertain liability, but we are still in discussion with the trade associations.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135096,"EventID":"S1O-00020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the range and number of economic performance indicators published with reference to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the range and number of economic performance indicators published with reference to Scotland.","AnswerText":"A future strategy for the development of official Scottish economic statistics was outlined in an article in The Scottish Economic Bulletin, No 56, March 1998 - The Scottish Economy: Official Statistics for the New Millennium.The official economic statistics outputs are regularly reviewed and The Scottish Office is currently engaged in an assessment of additional needs resulting from the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135097,"EventID":"S1O-00021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensatory measures it intends to take, in light of the demise of Rural Forum, to ensure that the views and concerns of individuals and organisations in rural Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensatory measures it intends to take, in light of the demise of Rural Forum, to ensure that the views and concerns of individuals and organisations in rural Scotland continue to be highlighted, and their particular interest promoted.","AnswerText":"Rural Forum offered useful support to a wide range of community and voluntary groups in Scotland. I would like to see that support continue but it is important that, if another body is established, it reflects the needs of these people. I support the suggestion of the main voluntary groups that there now needs to be a period of consultation and my officials are in close touch with those involved to see how the Government can best assist.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135098,"EventID":"S1O-00023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to grant powers to local authorities to introduce 20mph speed limits and when it intends that these powers will come into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to grant powers to local authorities to introduce 20mph speed limits and when it intends that these powers will come into force.","AnswerText":"The United Kingdom Government have removed the statutory requirement for local authorities to obtain the Secretary of State's consent before making 20 mph speed limit orders. The new arrangements came into force on 16 June. Local Authorities now have freedom to introduce 20 mph speed limits and there is, therefore, no need for the Scottish Executive to take any further action.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135099,"EventID":"S1O-00025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state it's attitude to the ban on handguns.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state it's attitude to the ban on handguns.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive strongly supports the legislation which has banned all large and small calibre handguns.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135100,"EventID":"S1O-00036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Together with my Ministerial colleagues, Alasdair Morrison and Nicol Stephen, I have had a useful preliminary meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board. We discussed some of the opportunities and challenges that face the tourism industry in the years ahead.
It is my intention to ask the STB to consult widely and to prepare a new strategy for the industry by around the end of this year. This strategy will identify action that needs to be taken in the highlands and islands and elsewhere to ensure that the tourism industry throughout Scotland realises its full potential.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135101,"EventID":"S1O-00042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Annual recurring resources of £44.5 million are being made available to the NHS in Scotland specifically to tackle waiting lists and waiting times.
Health Boards and NHS Trusts are currently implementing over 190 long-term projects designed to secure sustained reductions in waiting lists and waiting times. These include initiatives to improve the interface between primary and secondary care, to establish one-stop, fast-track and nurse-led clinics, and to re-design service delivery to provide better and faster treatment for patients. Many of the projects will be piloted.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135102,"EventID":"S1O-00045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"I will take the lead in ensuring that matters affecting young people are properly co-ordinated, taking careful account of the wide range of issues and bodies involved. A new Children and Young People Group will be created in my Department to support me in that work.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135103,"EventID":"S1O-00050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to meet business leaders to discuss the promotion of an enterprise agency in Scotland and whether it will consider the development of a co-operative De","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to meet business leaders to discuss the promotion of an enterprise agency in Scotland and whether it will consider the development of a co-operative Development Agency in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scotland already has two agencies with the responsibility for promoting and stimulating enterprise within their respective areas, namely Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
I have already held discussions with a number of business leaders and they are generally supportive of the current structure and activities of the two agencies. Both organisations have strategies which contain clear commitments to assisting new and growing businesses, which may include co-operative ventures, and I intend to work closely with them to ensure that they deliver on our commitment to bring together the promotion of enterprise and lifelong learning.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135104,"EventID":"S1O-00055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the needs of people with mental incapacity, in relation to managing their own financial affairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the needs of people with mental incapacity, in relation to managing their own financial affairs.","AnswerText":"Donald Dewar announced yesterday that our legislative programme for this session will include an Incapable Adults Bill, modernising the law in relation to decision making on behalf of people with mental incapacity. The Bill will include a range of new measures for managing their financial affairs and for supervising those who take decisions on their behalf.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135105,"EventID":"S1O-00083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the total cost of abolishing Skye bridge tolls ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the total cost of abolishing Skye bridge tolls ","AnswerText":"The basis for costing abolition of the tolls is stipulated in the contract for procuring the bridge. The Scottish Executive has no plans to initiate any negotiations about abolition with the concessionaire. Its policy is to freeze tolls at 1999 cash levels for the remainder of the contract. This will benefit all users of the bridge.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135106,"EventID":"S1O-00087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to affirm its commitment to a maximum working week of 56 hours for junior doctors in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to affirm its commitment to a maximum working week of 56 hours for junior doctors in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A commitment to the achievement of the 56 hour target here in Scotland has already been given and I can restate our determination to see that fully implemented.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135107,"EventID":"S1O-00106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to reduce child poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to reduce child poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We want to give the best possible start to all Scottish children and will bepromoting an integrated programme of distinctive Scottish measures,including initiatives in education, childcare and health.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135108,"EventID":"S1O-00107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will a statement on improving standards in Scottish schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will a statement on improving standards in Scottish schools.","AnswerText":"Our commitment is demonstrated by making the Education Improvement Bill our top priority in the first legislative programme. The Excellence Fund is allocating £377 million over the next 3 years to schools to raise standards.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135109,"EventID":"S1O-00112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the New Community Schools initiative and its plans to enhance the current programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the New Community Schools initiative and its plans to enhance the current programme.","AnswerText":"New Community Schools is a radical initiative to modernise schools, raise attainment and promote social inclusion. We will be spending £26 million on them over the next 3 years.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135110,"EventID":"S1O-00114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the involvement of local citi'ens in the democratic renewal of communities across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the involvement of local citi'ens in the democratic renewal of communities across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Report of the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament was presented to the First Minister on Tuesday. We are considering the recommendations of the Report and I hope there will be an early opportunity to debate these.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135111,"EventID":"S1O-00120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on improving the quality of bus services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on improving the quality of bus services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The UK Government published in March a consultation paper setting out proposals for improving local bus services. Comments were invited by 25 June. Our Transport Bill will propose changes in the way bus services are organised emphasising improvement in quality and the development of partnership.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135112,"EventID":"S1O-00122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include Jordanhill School in its plans to return all directly funded schools to local authority control.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include Jordanhill School in its plans to return all directly funded schools to local authority control.","AnswerText":"Jordanhill School has never been under local authority management, so the question of returning it to the local authority does not arise.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135113,"EventID":"S1O-00124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled students in Scotland it intends will benefit from the extension of the non-means tested Disabled Students Allowance to full time students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled students in Scotland it intends will benefit from the extension of the non-means tested Disabled Students Allowance to full time students.","AnswerText":"From session 1999/2000, as part of the aim to widen access to higher education, the Disabled Students' Allowance will be available to all eligible full-time and part-time higher education students; there is no specified number.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135114,"EventID":"S1O-00125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve services for people with a learning disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve services for people with a learning disability.","AnswerText":"A major review of social and health care services for people with a learning disability is underway. It will report in December.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135115,"EventID":"S1O-00128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on its assessment of the performance of the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on its assessment of the performance of the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to providing a modern, high quality, efficient health service. We will report regularly on our achievements.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135116,"EventID":"S1O-00129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the continuing professional development of teachers in Scottish schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the continuing professional development of teachers in Scottish schools.","AnswerText":"Ministers are committed to supporting teachers through a structured programme of continuing professional development. CPD is a key means of raising standards in schools. We shall announce our proposals shortly.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135117,"EventID":"S1O-00131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote participation in sport in primary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote participation in sport in primary schools.","AnswerText":"Lottery funding of £2.1m over 3 years has been earmarked to make the TOP Play TOP Sport programmes available to all primary schools. This package can be used to enhance existing sports and physical activity programmes.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135118,"EventID":"S1O-00133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the criteria under which proposed rural school closures are referred to Scottish Ministers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the criteria under which proposed rural school closures are referred to Scottish Ministers.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135119,"EventID":"S1O-00139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote information technology in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote information technology in schools.","AnswerText":"£100 million for IT resources has been allocated over the next 3 years, supported by £23 million for training from the New Opportunities Fund. We will announce details soon of a scheme to help teachers buy computers.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135120,"EventID":"S1O-00141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the number of students enrolled at further education colleges in Scotland in 1997-98.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the number of students enrolled at further education colleges in Scotland in 1997-98.","AnswerText":"There were 411,408 student enrolments on courses in Scotland's further education colleges in 1997-98. For the future, the Government has promised funding for an additional 40,000 places in FE colleges over the next 3 years.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135121,"EventID":"S1O-00145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the impact of Social Inclusion Partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the impact of Social Inclusion Partnerships.","AnswerText":"We shall be monitoring the progress of Social Inclusion Partnerships against the targets and indicators set for each partnership.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135122,"EventID":"S1O-00149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider the widespread demand for a review of accident and emergency services in the Edinburgh area before the accident and emergency unit at the R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider the widespread demand for a review of accident and emergency services in the Edinburgh area before the accident and emergency unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh moves to Little France, more than doubling the distance from north and west Edinburgh and Leith.","AnswerText":"The configuration of accident and emergency services in Edinburgh is a matter for Lothian Health Board. Ministers have received reassurances that the provision is appropriate. Accessibility of accident and emergency services will be an ongoing priority for Lothian Health Board.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135123,"EventID":"S1O-00172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to extend social inclusion provision in West Dumbartonshire, given that this area has the highest claimant count unemployment in Scotland an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to extend social inclusion provision in West Dumbartonshire, given that this area has the highest claimant count unemployment in Scotland and the lowest percentage of VAT registered businesses in the UK.","AnswerText":"We are already supporting a Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) in West Dunbartonshire with core funding of more than £6m over 3 years. West Dunbartonshire is also benefiting from the wide range of national Government programmes to promote social inclusion, such as the New Deal and New Community Schools.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135124,"EventID":"S1O-00177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland of the proposed greenhouse gas emission tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland of the proposed greenhouse gas emission tax.","AnswerText":"The UK Government is considering responses to consultation on the proposed Climate Change Levy, which is a reserved matter. They are also holding discussions with energy intensive sectors, including the paper industry, on possible agreements to give rebates of the levy for energy efficiency measures. I will consider carefully any potential impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland following the outcome of these two processes.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135125,"EventID":"S1O-00181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to invite the Scottish film industry to propose measures which the Executive may implement to help the industry to develop and prosper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to invite the Scottish film industry to propose measures which the Executive may implement to help the industry to develop and prosper.","AnswerText":"The Scottish film industry will be able to put forward proposals during our consultations on the national cultural strategy.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135126,"EventID":"S1O-00183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the proportion of NHS new building costs which are being drawn from NHS Trust Revenue Budgets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the proportion of NHS new building costs which are being drawn from NHS Trust Revenue Budgets.","AnswerText":"New buildings in the NHS in Scotland are funded from public or private sector capital, not revenue budgets. The business cases published for capital projects detail the impact of these projects on Trust revenue budgets.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135127,"EventID":"S1O-00185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide details of the reduction in crew hours per annum required of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency now that 6,000 square miles of previou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide details of the reduction in crew hours per annum required of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency now that 6,000 square miles of previously SFPA patrolled seas have fallen under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Royal Navy, which patrols English waters, and what effect, if any, that reduction will have on employment of SFPA crews.","AnswerText":"The area in question represents a very small proportion of the total area patrolled by vessels of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. Neither is it an area of prolific fishing activity. Consequently it does not require a substantial surveillance effort from the Agency. It therefore follows that a change in the enforcement arrangements for this area will not be reflected in the level of resources of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135128,"EventID":"S1O-00198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the level of fuel prices is having upon the number of visitors to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland this season and what steps it will take to assess this","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the level of fuel prices is having upon the number of visitors to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland this season and what steps it will take to assess this issue.","AnswerText":"Latest estimates for Scotland as a whole indicate that spend by UK tourists has increased by 13%. Figures for the Highlands and Islands will be available in the autumn. The Government is preparing a new tourism strategy to ensure that Scotland's tourist industry remains internationally competitive.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135129,"EventID":"S1O-00202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what in outline is the role of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland and the nature and degree of its areas of responsibility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what in outline is the role of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland and the nature and degree of its areas of responsibility.","AnswerText":"The role of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland will be to improve food safety, standards and the protection of public health in relation to food. It will advise Ministers and the public on food safety and standards issues, bringing together existing responsibilities for food safety, primarily food hygiene, food standards, novel foods, chemical safety and co-ordination of emergency action and undertaking new responsibilities for on farm surveillance, enforcement monitoring and provision of information including on the nutritional content of food.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135130,"EventID":"S1O-00205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to be able to make an announcement with regard to lifting the beef-on-the-bone ban.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to be able to make an announcement with regard to lifting the beef-on-the-bone ban.","AnswerText":"As stated in The Partnership for Scotland Agreement, we look forward to ending the ban on beef-on-the-bone as soon as medical advice indicates that it would be safe to do so. The matter is still being considered by our medical advisers.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135131,"EventID":"S1O-00210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place in Scotland for the disposal of cattle over the age of 30 months that have been culled as part of the programme to eradicate BSE.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place in Scotland for the disposal of cattle over the age of 30 months that have been culled as part of the programme to eradicate BSE.","AnswerText":"Cull material arising in Scotland is either sent direct for incineration, or rendered then held in secure storage pending final destruction.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135132,"EventID":"S1O-00211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the importance for voluntary youth bodies of it paying the proposed #10 charge for police checks on people working with young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the importance for voluntary youth bodies of it paying the proposed #10 charge for police checks on people working with young people.","AnswerText":"The intention is that the system of criminal record checks provided under part V of the Police Act 1997 should be self financing. However, we recognise the concerns of the voluntary sector on the proposed charges, and we are keeping the position under review.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135133,"EventID":"S1O-00214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve rail services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve rail services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This financial year, over £208 million of public money will be spent to secure passenger train services in Scotland. An additional £6.1 million will be available for Scottish rail freight schemes.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135134,"EventID":"S1O-00215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of its power to give grants for rail services, what representations it intends to make to Her Majesty's Government in order to ensure that Scotland has adeq","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of its power to give grants for rail services, what representations it intends to make to Her Majesty's Government in order to ensure that Scotland has adequate independent representation on the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"The G.B. Railways Bill, introduced on 7th July, will give statutory authority to the new Strategic Rail Authority . The Scottish Executive, the Scotland Office and the U.K. Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions are in regular contact on matters in the Bill relating to the devolution of executive functions to the Scottish Ministers.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135135,"EventID":"S1O-00216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planned expenditure by the Scotland Office is included in the Scottish Budget in each year from 1999-2000 forward, in real terms, when this information was first pub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planned expenditure by the Scotland Office is included in the Scottish Budget in each year from 1999-2000 forward, in real terms, when this information was first published, and where.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Statement of Funding Policy published by HM Treasury on 31 March 1999, the Secretary of State for Scotland is voted provision by the UK Government in respect of the expenses of the Scotland Office. There is no planned expenditure by the Scotland Office included in the Scottish Budget. This information was first published in the Departmental Report, Serving Scotland's Needs, on 25 March 1999.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135136,"EventID":"S1O-00224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Scottish Executive has for the future funding of Tourist Boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Scottish Executive has for the future funding of Tourist Boards.","AnswerText":"I will consider the position in the light of the responses to our consultation exercise.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135137,"EventID":"S1O-00234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the average cost per pupil for primary school pupils attending schools with 65 or less pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the average cost per pupil for primary school pupils attending schools with 65 or less pupils.","AnswerText":"Based on data provided by local authorities and published annually by HM Inspectorate of Schools, the average budgeted cost per pupil in such schools in financial year 1998-99 was £2,990 compared with a national average per primary pupil of £1,849.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135138,"EventID":"S1O-00239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine public perceptions of the treatment of victims of crime by the judicial system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine public perceptions of the treatment of victims of crime by the judicial system.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is concerned to ensure that the criminal justice system recognises and meets victims needs. There is existing research on victims' views of, and satisfaction with, the criminal justice system.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135139,"EventID":"S1O-00243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which elements of public spending on education and childcare in Scotland are not devolved to the Scottish Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which elements of public spending on education and childcare in Scotland are not devolved to the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"Control of public expenditure on both education and childcare in Scotland is fully devolved to the Scottish Executive. Scotland also benefits from the UK Government's policy on Working Families Tax Credits and from funding from the National Lottery.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135140,"EventID":"S1O-00244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the Skye Bridge Company will reduce the toll on the bridge over the winter months, as in previous years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the Skye Bridge Company will reduce the toll on the bridge over the winter months, as in previous years.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the 1992 Toll Order, the tolls on the Skye Bridge will be reduced between 1 October and 30 April 2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135141,"EventID":"S1O-00253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many miles of dual carriageway in Scotland lack central reservation safety barriers and whether it will install such barriers with a view to reducing accidents and l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many miles of dual carriageway in Scotland lack central reservation safety barriers and whether it will install such barriers with a view to reducing accidents and loss of life.","AnswerText":"12 miles, on the A77 around Kilmarnock.
Subject to the availability of funding, safety fencing will be installed by 2000/01.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135142,"EventID":"S1O-00260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the position of homeowners in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the position of homeowners in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Home owners with a mortgage are currently benefiting from low interest rates. To reduce the cost of house purchase we are keen to support sellers surveys. We are also currently studying whether legislation could help to safeguard those with mortgages who get into temporary financial difficulties.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135143,"EventID":"S1O-00268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to use its planning powers to introduce a national moratorium on the erection of mobile telecommunication masts on school grounds and within densely po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to use its planning powers to introduce a national moratorium on the erection of mobile telecommunication masts on school grounds and within densely populated areas such as multi-storey flats in line with the policy of \"prudent avoidance\" as recommended by Friends of the Earth.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such planning powers.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135144,"EventID":"S1O-00270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that all pupils who have entered Primary 1 will remain in class si'es of fewer than 30, at least until Primary 4.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that all pupils who have entered Primary 1 will remain in class si'es of fewer than 30, at least until Primary 4.","AnswerText":"Yes, regulations made in April this year supported by new resources provided through the Excellence Fund ensure that we will meet our key commitment to reduce class sizes for P1-P3 pupils by 2001. A small number of schools have applied for temporary exemptions from the regulations while building work is completed but every school will meet the 2001 target.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135145,"EventID":"S1O-00272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to put an end to the situation whereby minor technical discrepancies prevent court proceedings in cases where there is evidence of an individual'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to put an end to the situation whereby minor technical discrepancies prevent court proceedings in cases where there is evidence of an individual's wrongdoing.","AnswerText":"We keep the law governing criminal procedure and evidence under constant review. Technical discrepancies can be overlooked; but only the Lord Advocate and the courts can judge when such procedural errors make court proceedings inappropriate or unsafe.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135146,"EventID":"S1O-00273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the issues currently affecting the Scottish sheep farming industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the issues currently affecting the Scottish sheep farming industry.","AnswerText":"I have already taken positive steps with the industry to encourage and promote increased sales of our lamb both at home and abroad. Extra money has been given to help find new markets too. Additionally, the European Commission has been asked to introduce private storage aids for lamb. I will be convening further meetings with the industry over the autumn to keep the position under review, and to look at any ways in which the present difficulties affecting the sheep sector might be relieved.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135147,"EventID":"S1O-00274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on restoring the European beef market for Scottish producers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on restoring the European beef market for Scottish producers.","AnswerText":"A pre-requisite to beginning exports is to have meat plants dedicated under the Date Based Export Scheme. It is for companies to decide whether dedicating is a commercial proposition. We are aware that one plant is considering dedicating and a joint consortium are carrying out a feasibility study to establish the viability of working together to dedicate a plant.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135148,"EventID":"S1O-00276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on whether it intends to promote its relationship with the voluntary sector in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on whether it intends to promote its relationship with the voluntary sector in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We will promote this relationship by means of the Scottish Compact which will be brought to the Parliament for endorsement this autumn.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135149,"EventID":"S1O-00287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the progress of the Scottish University for Industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the progress of the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish UfI is an exciting innovative project that must succeed if we are to create a learning nation. The Scottish UfI development team is working hard to ensure a successful launch in autumn 2000. I will publish a progress report next month.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135150,"EventID":"S1O-00288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on its plans to promote the involvement of parents in the education of their children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on its plans to promote the involvement of parents in the education of their children.","AnswerText":"Parental involvement in their children's education is crucial. We are investing £15 million over three years to fund more home-link teachers, teacher/parent contact time, family learning initiatives and parent support groups.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135151,"EventID":"S1O-00289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it will introduce to assist small business in Scotland and whether it will work closely with the Enterprise and Life Long Learning Committee to de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it will introduce to assist small business in Scotland and whether it will work closely with the Enterprise and Life Long Learning Committee to develop a package of measures to promote small business in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have a range of new measures in place or under consideration to assist small business in Scotland, including the new £12m Business Growth Fund and proposals to establish a mentoring scheme for start-up companies. We are also working with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to improve the quality and consistency of advice provided to small businesses across the Enterprise Network. We are very keen to work with the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee in taking these measures forward.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135152,"EventID":"S1O-00290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that adequate scientific resources are being applied to the outbreak of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that adequate scientific resources are being applied to the outbreak of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning.","AnswerText":"Yes - the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen are carrying out a comprehensive surveillance programme on these toxins and also detailed research studies.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135153,"EventID":"S1O-00293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were committed in Scotland by those released on bail, and how many of these were crimes of violence, for each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were committed in Scotland by those released on bail, and how many of these were crimes of violence, for each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I shall write with full details. Between 1993 and 1997 convictions for offences committed on bail averaged just under 12,000 per annum. Of these, serious non-sexual offences of violence averaged around 600 per annum.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135154,"EventID":"S1O-00299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the A8 and adjoining roads in the Coatbridge-Newhouse area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the A8 and adjoining roads in the Coatbridge-Newhouse area.","AnswerText":"Proposals to upgrade the A8 to motorway between Baillieston and Newhouse are being considered in the Strategic Roads Review. I plan to report to Parliament on the Review shortly.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135155,"EventID":"S1O-00303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to build, within the next two years, safety barriers on all dual carriageways where they do not currently exist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to build, within the next two years, safety barriers on all dual carriageways where they do not currently exist.","AnswerText":"There are 12 miles on the A77 around Kilmarnock without safety barriers. Subject to the availability of funding, safety barriers will be installed by 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135156,"EventID":"S1O-00307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to follow the Land Reform Policy Group's recommendation that the Scottish Law Commission be invited to review and revise the law of the foreshore and se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to follow the Land Reform Policy Group's recommendation that the Scottish Law Commission be invited to review and revise the law of the foreshore and seabed and, in light of the numerous and protracted disputes over the ownership of the seabed around Scotland, what plans it has to review the powers of the Crown Estate in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I intend that the Scottish Law Commission will be invited to undertake a comprehensive review of the law of the foreshore and seabed as part of the Commission's next programme of law reform. I believe it would be premature at this stage to seek agreement to change the Scotland Act's reservation of the Crown Estate.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135157,"EventID":"S1O-00312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much contingency funds within its budget are as yet uncommitted in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much contingency funds within its budget are as yet uncommitted in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Supply Estimates for 1999-00, published on 4 February 1999, fully allocate all the funds available to the Scottish Executive to expenditure programmes.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135158,"EventID":"S1O-00313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the establishment of a new road bridge crossing the river Forth near Kincardine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the establishment of a new road bridge crossing the river Forth near Kincardine.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Crawford to the answer I gave to Mr Johnston on 5 August (S1W-551).","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135159,"EventID":"S1O-00316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a decision on the future of cardiac surgery at Glasgow Royal Hospital for Sick Children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a decision on the future of cardiac surgery at Glasgow Royal Hospital for Sick Children.","AnswerText":"Today I announced my decision on the future of the paediatric cardiac surgery service in Scotland. The Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill is to become Scotland's single centre for children's heart surgery.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135160,"EventID":"S1O-00335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it believes that it would be of benefit to business in Scotland if it exercised the tax varying power for the years 2000-2001 and 2001-2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it believes that it would be of benefit to business in Scotland if it exercised the tax varying power for the years 2000-2001 and 2001-2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not be using the tax varying power during the lifetime of this Parliament. This has been widely welcomed by the business community in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135161,"EventID":"S1O-00336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1049 by Henry McLeish on 6 September, whether the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in providing assurances regarding the gra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1049 by Henry McLeish on 6 September, whether the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in providing assurances regarding the grant award position at Viasystems, has at any time provided it with a copy of the DTI report of the investigation into the closure of the Viasystems plants in the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"I have asked my Officials to arrange a meeting with Ms Grahame, to give her a fuller understanding of the background to this case.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135162,"EventID":"S1O-00341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the allocation within the Scottish Departmental Expenditure Limits for expenditure (outturn estimated and planned) by the Secretary of State and Advocate General ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the allocation within the Scottish Departmental Expenditure Limits for expenditure (outturn estimated and planned) by the Secretary of State and Advocate General for Scotland in 1998-1999 and 1999-2000, in cash terms.","AnswerText":"Details are set out in the main UK Supply Estimates published by HM Treasury on 31 March 1999. A copy is available in the Library.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135163,"EventID":"S1O-00343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the potential benefits of the completion of the M74 extension to the Glasgow economy and, given these benefits, whether it will fund the project","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the potential benefits of the completion of the M74 extension to the Glasgow economy and, given these benefits, whether it will fund the project.","AnswerText":"The M74 Northern Extension is one of the 17 major road schemes being considered in the Strategic Roads Review. The Review is considering the potential impacts of these schemes under a number of headings, including economy. The Executive plans to report to Parliament shortly on the outcome of the review.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135164,"EventID":"S1O-00345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to halve the female prison population by the end of the year 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to halve the female prison population by the end of the year 2000.","AnswerText":"Sentencing decisions rest with the courts but we do support the aim of reducing prison numbers. That is why we have accepted in principle the recommendations contained in \"A Safer Way\", the joint Prisons and Social Work report which reviewed community disposals and the use of custody for women offenders in Scotland, and why an inter-agency forum, chaired by Professor Sheila McLean, was set up to consider the issues raised by the review.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135165,"EventID":"S1O-00347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to relieve traffic congestion on the M8 motorway at Paisley.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to relieve traffic congestion on the M8 motorway at Paisley.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to work closely with Renfrewshire Council to ensure that junctions on the M8 operate efficiently and safely; to develop local and national policies to reduce traffic congestion; and to promote public transport.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135166,"EventID":"S1O-00349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to address the situation, described in the Scottish Prison Officers report Work and Health in the Scottish Prison Service, whereby the level of p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to address the situation, described in the Scottish Prison Officers report Work and Health in the Scottish Prison Service, whereby the level of prison officer dissatisfaction has risen over the last five years from 10% to almost 40%.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service has taken into account this Report, and other information about staff views, in developing the Human Resources strategy contained in its Corporate Plan.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135167,"EventID":"S1O-00351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reduce the level of dependency on the private car for those resident in rural areas in the South of Scotland, and if so, to detail these plans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reduce the level of dependency on the private car for those resident in rural areas in the South of Scotland, and if so, to detail these plans.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is pursuing a variety of initiatives to promote more sustainable and integrated transport in the rural areas. On 15 September, I announced grants to three community transport projects in the South of Scotland totalling nearly £92,000. Other initiatives include Rural Public Passenger Transport Grants, Social Inclusion Partnerships and the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund. The Executive is also looking forward to the outcome of the feasibility study exploring the potential for the reinstatement of the rail link between Edinburgh and the Borders let in April 1999.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135168,"EventID":"S1O-00355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd's decision to award the contract for Holyrood North Phase Five to Drew Construction Ltd, who have sub-contracted the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd's decision to award the contract for Holyrood North Phase Five to Drew Construction Ltd, who have sub-contracted the supply of kerb and drainage channel stone to Granit Union of Inverness who will source that stone in China, what steps it will take to ensure that Scottish taxpayers' money is used to foster Scottish jobs by using Scottish products in future contracts awarded by Local Enterprise Councils.","AnswerText":"Local Enterprise Companies are required by their operating contracts with Scottish Enterprise to put contracts out to tender to maximise value for money.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135169,"EventID":"S1O-00356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for ministers to set aside time on a regular basis for meetings with MSPs, and particularly committee convenors and party spokesmen, who have con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for ministers to set aside time on a regular basis for meetings with MSPs, and particularly committee convenors and party spokesmen, who have constituency or policy issues to raise with them.","AnswerText":"Yes. Ministers are already having meetings for these purposes and will continue to make time for contact with MSPs as necessary in the future.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135170,"EventID":"S1O-00357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry regarding Regional Selective Assistance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry regarding Regional Selective Assistance.","AnswerText":"Regional Selective Assistance is a GB-wide scheme run to common guidelines in England, Scotland and Wales. The Scottish Executive has frequent discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry on various aspects of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135171,"EventID":"S1O-00362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it is giving to Scottish League football clubs to build new or redevelop existing stadia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it is giving to Scottish League football clubs to build new or redevelop existing stadia.","AnswerText":"Assistance is available from the Football Trust and sportscotland for work to meet Taylor Report and other essential safety requirements. Some £1.1million is available for such projects in the current financial year.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135172,"EventID":"S1O-00371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regulate the use of barbed tape/ra'or wire as a means of restricting public access to Scottish hills, mountains and historic sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regulate the use of barbed tape/ra'or wire as a means of restricting public access to Scottish hills, mountains and historic sites.","AnswerText":"We intend to bring forward legislation that will create a Right of responsible access to land and inland water. The legislation will include powers to enable local authorities to require the removal of any obstructions, including barbed tape or razor wire, erected to prevent the exercise of the new Right.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135173,"EventID":"S1O-00378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Historic Scotland will be instructed to take to secure the status of Iona Abbey as a place of pilgrimage as well as a place of spiritual and historical discov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Historic Scotland will be instructed to take to secure the status of Iona Abbey as a place of pilgrimage as well as a place of spiritual and historical discovery for many casual visitors and tourists.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland will manage Iona Abbey as professionally and sensitively as all the other religious sites in its care.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135174,"EventID":"S1O-00381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options are being considered in relation to the establishment of an appeals mechanism for crofters and farmers who are suffering penalties incurred from the current","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options are being considered in relation to the establishment of an appeals mechanism for crofters and farmers who are suffering penalties incurred from the current EU subsidy system and whether the claims mechanism when introduced will be applied retrospectively.","AnswerText":"A review of all possible options for an independent appeal mechanism is underway. Details of the proposed arrangements will be issued for consultation by the end of the year. The European Convention on Human Rights confers no automatic rights to retrospection, but any implications by the appeal mechanism on previous decisions will be looked at.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135175,"EventID":"S1O-00384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to honour Peter Nicol, Scotland's only individual world champion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to honour Peter Nicol, Scotland's only individual world champion.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty the Queen awarded an MBE to Mr Nicol in the Birthday Honours List 1999 in recognition of his services to squash.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135176,"EventID":"S1O-00389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have been held to resolve the issues of dispute between teachers, education authorities and the Scottish Executive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have been held to resolve the issues of dispute between teachers, education authorities and the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee (SJNC) is due to meet again on 8 October. I shall keep in touch with progress.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135177,"EventID":"S1O-00390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1891 by Rhona Brankin on 20 September 1999, what level of assistance will be made available specifically to Dumbarton Football Club","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1891 by Rhona Brankin on 20 September 1999, what level of assistance will be made available specifically to Dumbarton Football Club from the Football Trust, from sportscotland, and from any other national agencies under the direction of the Scottish Executive to allow the club to complete construction of its proposed new stadium.","AnswerText":"I understand that Dumbarton Football Club has made an application for funding that will be considered by sportscotland and the Football Trust in November.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135178,"EventID":"S1O-00392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any minutes taken during discussion with representatives of Her Majesty's Government in connection with the Memorandum of Understanding and relat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any minutes taken during discussion with representatives of Her Majesty's Government in connection with the Memorandum of Understanding and related concordats.","AnswerText":"No, but the texts themselves will be made public tomorrow and will be subject to debate in the Parliament before they come into effect. Copies will be available for Members in the Document Supply Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135179,"EventID":"S1O-00401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, following the completion of the M74 from Gretna to Beattock Summit, to address the impact on Dumfries and Galloway council of having now to main","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, following the completion of the M74 from Gretna to Beattock Summit, to address the impact on Dumfries and Galloway council of having now to maintain the landscaped areas along the length of the former A74.","AnswerText":"Within the local government finance settlement, allowances for road maintenance and associated costs are distributed on a basis agreed following consultation with local authorities.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135180,"EventID":"S1O-00404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of funding available to police boards for the next financial year will be at least at current levels in real terms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of funding available to police boards for the next financial year will be at least at current levels in real terms.","AnswerText":"Decisions have not yet been taken on the level of funding to individual police boards for the next financial year. As announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review the total revenue funding available for the police in 2000-01 is £741.9 million which is an increase of 3.8% on this years figure. On current estimates of inflation this represents an increase in real terms of 2.36%.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135181,"EventID":"S1O-00410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the report into the reinstatement of the Waverley Line from Galashiels to Edinburgh has reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the report into the reinstatement of the Waverley Line from Galashiels to Edinburgh has reached.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Borders Railway Feasibility Study started in April and is due to be completed in December. The consultants are currently conducting detailed economic, social and environmental analyses of a number of selected options for reinstatement.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135182,"EventID":"S1O-00411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any discussions which have taken place with Her Majesty's Treasury in connection with the reduction of the fuel duty escalator, and its social and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any discussions which have taken place with Her Majesty's Treasury in connection with the reduction of the fuel duty escalator, and its social and economic impact in Scotland.","AnswerText":"It is not in Scotland's interest for me to turn my private contacts with UK Government colleagues into public diplomacy by \"sound bite\". I can, however, assure Parliament that we have been second to none in standing up for Scotland's interests.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135183,"EventID":"S1O-00417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given consideration to the introduction of retractable syringes in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given consideration to the introduction of retractable syringes in the NHS.","AnswerText":"A pilot scheme on the use of retractable needles is currently being carried out at West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust. In addition data on needlestick injuries in the NHS in Scotland is currently being collected. We are also liaising with the Department of Health. A short life working group within the Scottish Executive Health Department is in the process of being set up and will look at the available data on needlestick injuries and practical use of retractable needles and report to Ministers.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135184,"EventID":"S1O-00421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any element of the #750 million funding gap for care of the elderly identified by Sir Stewart Sutherland, Chairman of the Royal Commission for the long-term care","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any element of the #750 million funding gap for care of the elderly identified by Sir Stewart Sutherland, Chairman of the Royal Commission for the long-term care of the elderly applies to Scotland, and if so, what action it is taking to address it.","AnswerText":"The central government allocation of resources to local authorities for community care is unhypothecated. The Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) allocations for individual client groups are assessments of the relative need to spend to enable overall GAE levels to be set for individual authorities. The level of expenditure by local authorities on services for older people is thus a matter for each local authority.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135185,"EventID":"S1O-00428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure closer integration between agricultural and forestry incentives, in order to promote diversification within agriculture and further the commi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure closer integration between agricultural and forestry incentives, in order to promote diversification within agriculture and further the commitment to sustainable rural development.","AnswerText":"\"The Executive is already working with Regional Plan Teams to draw up new rural development programmes for Scotland under the Agenda 2000 Rural Development Regulation.
The Regulation includes farm diversification, forestry and a range of other on and off farm rural development activities. Our priority is to create programmes which will contribute to the sustainable economic, environmental and social development of Scotland's rural areas.\"","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135186,"EventID":"S1O-00431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make provision of day care for elderly and frail people a statutory requirement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make provision of day care for elderly and frail people a statutory requirement.","AnswerText":"Local Authorities are required under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to make provision for such facilities as they consider appropriate to meet the needs of people in their area.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135187,"EventID":"S1O-00432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed timescale is between the announcement of the Homelessness Task Force and the report of that Task Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed timescale is between the announcement of the Homelessness Task Force and the report of that Task Force.","AnswerText":"We announced our intention to set up the Task Force on 17 June and the remit and membership on 15 August. The group met for the first time on 25 August. The Task Force has been asked to produce an initial report within 6 months so that any proposed amendments to the homelessness legislation can be considered for inclusion in next year's housing bill.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135188,"EventID":"S1O-00436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cuts and closures are currently proposed by Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust at Stracathro Hospital, Angus and what effect these proposals will have on the st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cuts and closures are currently proposed by Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust at Stracathro Hospital, Angus and what effect these proposals will have on the still to be announced Tayside acute services review.","AnswerText":"Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking the views of staff on proposals to reorganise services at Stracathro Hospital. The proposals focus on the consolidation of surgical and medical wards. I expect the Trust to pay due regard to the quality of care for patients and the interests of staff in its considerations.
I have been assured that any operational decisions will not prejudice the Tayside acute services review that is currently in hand.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135189,"EventID":"S1O-00437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Ministers will be able either to take final decisions themselves relating to the current review of Sheriff Court provision in Lothian and Borders, or to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Ministers will be able either to take final decisions themselves relating to the current review of Sheriff Court provision in Lothian and Borders, or to ensure that any final decisions take fully into account implications for the operational costs of all relevant agencies.","AnswerText":"The review of Sheriff Court provision in Lothian and Borders is being undertaken by Sheriff Principal Gordon Nicholson who is consulting interested parties on a number of proposals. Any recommendations from the review which affect Court boundaries will be submitted to Scottish Ministers who will take account of all relevant considerations before deciding on a course of action. Any changes in provision of Courts would have to be set out in a Statutory Instrument requiring the approval of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135190,"EventID":"S1O-00438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Committee of Inquiry into the future of teachers' pay and conditions will consider teachers' workload subject by subject so that particular areas of severe o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Committee of Inquiry into the future of teachers' pay and conditions will consider teachers' workload subject by subject so that particular areas of severe overload can be addressed.","AnswerText":"The Committee's terms of reference provide the opportunity to examine workload concerns. How this is addressed will be a matter for the Committee to determine.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135191,"EventID":"S1O-00439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its view would be on members taking a second public oath against involvement in any dealings with commercial lobbyists, as the first oath of May 12 1999 did not con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its view would be on members taking a second public oath against involvement in any dealings with commercial lobbyists, as the first oath of May 12 1999 did not contain any pledge on ethical standards.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of Section26 of the Scotland Act, this is a matter for the Presiding Officer. I understand the Standards Committee is considering a Code of Conduct for Members which may include a reference to the Oath of Allegiance.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135192,"EventID":"S1O-00441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support the contribution of the proposed Greenbank day care centre and associated housing in Langholm, Dumfriesshire to its social inclusion strategy a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support the contribution of the proposed Greenbank day care centre and associated housing in Langholm, Dumfriesshire to its social inclusion strategy and to strengthening the local community.","AnswerText":"A decision on the funding for this project, including the housing element, is for Dumfries and Galloway Council, in collaboration with its strategic community care planning partners, such as Scottish Homes.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135193,"EventID":"S1O-00442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the charging of voluntary organisations for criminal record checks on their staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the charging of voluntary organisations for criminal record checks on their staff.","AnswerText":"We fully appreciate the contribution voluntary organisations make, and are concerned about the impact charging for criminal record checks will have. I am therefore pleased to announce today that I am establishing a review group to consider in detail charging issues and policies. The group will include representatives from the voluntary sector, and will be chaired by Jackie Baillie, Deputy Minister for Communities, who is responsible for co-ordination of Executive policy on the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135194,"EventID":"S1O-00446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reform the system of payment for returning officers in local government, Scottish Parliament and general elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reform the system of payment for returning officers in local government, Scottish Parliament and general elections.","AnswerText":"Local Authorities are responsible for returning officers' payments at local elections and we have no plans to change this.
Matters relating to Parliamentary elections, including those to this Parliament, are reserved.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135195,"EventID":"S1O-00450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether spending on mental health in Scotland has fallen behind spending on the NHS in Scotland in general and, if so, why.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether spending on mental health in Scotland has fallen behind spending on the NHS in Scotland in general and, if so, why.","AnswerText":"Spending on mental health has been stable at around 14.5% of all NHS spend since 1996, consistent with the view that mental health continues to be a priority for the Health Service in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135196,"EventID":"S1O-00458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to approve the construction of grade-separated junctions at the Glamis and Kirriemuir junctions of the A90 to Forfar bypass.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to approve the construction of grade-separated junctions at the Glamis and Kirriemuir junctions of the A90 to Forfar bypass.","AnswerText":"We expect to publish draft enabling orders for this work early in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135197,"EventID":"S1O-00459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet the Shetland Health Board in Shetland to enable the Board to present its views on the proposed Arbuthnott formula, and whether it will then give fur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet the Shetland Health Board in Shetland to enable the Board to present its views on the proposed Arbuthnott formula, and whether it will then give further consideration to any proposals which the Board makes.","AnswerText":"As part of the Arbuthnott consultation exercise officials from the Scottish Executive met Shetland Health Board in Shetland on 6 September 1999 to explain the proposals and hear the Boards' views. The Board took the opportunity to present a fulsome response to the proposals, and as a result officials have agreed to examine a number of issues which were raised.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135198,"EventID":"S1O-00462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of its intention to remove the statutory basis of the SJNC, it will set out a timetable for the implementation of the relevant legislation to ensur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of its intention to remove the statutory basis of the SJNC, it will set out a timetable for the implementation of the relevant legislation to ensure that the current maximum composite class si'e of 25 is maintained, that the current maximum class si'e of 33 in the upper primary and secondary is maintained, and that the current maximum class si'e of 20 in practical classes is maintained.","AnswerText":"Legislative provisions allowing regulations to be made already exists in the form of section 2 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. Further consideration of the need for regulations under this power will follow from consultation on the recommendation of the Committee of Inquiry being chaired by Professor McCrone.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135199,"EventID":"S1O-00463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the increase in money for education that will be available in 2000/2001 to North Lanarkshire, Falkirk and East Ayrshire councils as a consequence","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the increase in money for education that will be available in 2000/2001 to North Lanarkshire, Falkirk and East Ayrshire councils as a consequence of the #80 million extra spending for education announced by the Finance Minister on 6 October.","AnswerText":"The additional money for education announced by Jack McConnell on 6 October has been widely welcomed. Detailed allocations of education resources for Councils will be made as part of the local government finance settlement towards the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135200,"EventID":"S1O-00465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the increase in money for education that will be available in 2000/2001 to City of Edinburgh and West Lothian councils as a consequence of the #8","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the increase in money for education that will be available in 2000/2001 to City of Edinburgh and West Lothian councils as a consequence of the #80 million extra spending for education announced by the Finance Minister on 6 October.","AnswerText":"The additional money for education announced by Jack McConnell on 6 October has been widely welcomed. Detailed allocations of education resources for Councils will be made as part of the local government finance settlement towards the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135201,"EventID":"S1O-00468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the time-scale is for the implementation of a review of fuel poverty and energy efficiency in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the time-scale is for the implementation of a review of fuel poverty and energy efficiency in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Warm Deal was introduced on 1 July and will play a vital part in tackling fuel poverty and promoting energy efficiency. It is the largest single package of home insulation measures available to low-income families in Scotland and has a budget of £12 million. The Warm Deal has been widely welcomed. We will keep it under review to ensure that it continues to meet its aims.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135202,"EventID":"S1O-00470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Scottish Tourist Board and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Scottish Tourist Board and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"Henry McLeish met with Lord Gordon and his board on 15th October. They discussed the findings of the recent consultation exercise and the development of the new strategy for the Scottish tourism industry.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135203,"EventID":"S1O-00474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of recent scientific reports concerning the safety of genetically modified crops and the distance over which cross pollination can occur, what action is bei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of recent scientific reports concerning the safety of genetically modified crops and the distance over which cross pollination can occur, what action is being proposed regarding the planting of experimental genetically modified crops.","AnswerText":"The possible effects of pollen transfer are fully considered in the risk assessment undertaken by the independent Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE).
As part of its considerations, ACRE takes into account issues such as farm ecology, farming practice and biodiversity and provides detailed limits and conditions for growing which are set out in a schedule and which must be adhered to by consent holders. ","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135204,"EventID":"S1O-00475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to commission an independent legal opinion to determine the validity of the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundary Order 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to commission an independent legal opinion to determine the validity of the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundary Order 1999.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135205,"EventID":"S1O-00479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relax capping limits for Scottish local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relax capping limits for Scottish local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to issue capping limits to Scottish local authorities.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135206,"EventID":"S1O-00489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the timescale for submissions to the McCrone inquiry into teachers' pay and conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the timescale for submissions to the McCrone inquiry into teachers' pay and conditions.","AnswerText":"The timescale for submissions is a matter for the independent Committee of Inquiry.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135207,"EventID":"S1O-00492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation restricting the use of lead shot for shooting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation restricting the use of lead shot for shooting.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is considering whether to implement restrictions on the use of lead shot in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135208,"EventID":"S1O-00500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the streetlighting in Greengairs is currently in a state of repair which meets the standards required by Scotland's local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the streetlighting in Greengairs is currently in a state of repair which meets the standards required by Scotland's local authorities.","AnswerText":"The standard of lighting in Greengairs is a matter for North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135209,"EventID":"S1O-00505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by Sam Galbraith on 22 September 1999, when it intends to bring forward proposals to remove the statutory basis of the Scottish Joint Negotiatin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by Sam Galbraith on 22 September 1999, when it intends to bring forward proposals to remove the statutory basis of the Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee.","AnswerText":"We shall bring forward proposals at the first opportunity.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135210,"EventID":"S1O-00520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many entrants there are in the current academic year for the Scottish Universities' Speech and Language Therapy degree courses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many entrants there are in the current academic year for the Scottish Universities' Speech and Language Therapy degree courses.","AnswerText":"In the current academic year, 1999-2000, there is a total of 77 entrants studying Speech and Language Therapy at Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh and Strathclyde University, Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135211,"EventID":"S1O-00524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is being made to ensure that professional interpreting services are provided in all cases in the Scottish criminal justice system where an accused person c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is being made to ensure that professional interpreting services are provided in all cases in the Scottish criminal justice system where an accused person cannot understand or speak the language used in court.","AnswerText":"Where the prosecutor receives information that an accused person cannot speak or understand English he will make arrangements, usually through one of the interpreting agencies, to have an appropriate interpreter attend court to assist the accused.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135212,"EventID":"S1O-00530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to secure a Scotland wide concessionary transport scheme for pensioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made to secure a Scotland wide concessionary transport scheme for pensioners.","AnswerText":"Concessionary travel schemes for pensioners are currently administered by local authorities who have the powers to operate joint schemes if they wish. We are looking at ways to encourage improvement and integration of such schemes.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135213,"EventID":"S1O-00532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government to ensure that the two European Football Championship play-offs proceed without disorder, both inside the stadi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government to ensure that the two European Football Championship play-offs proceed without disorder, both inside the stadiums and elsewhere.","AnswerText":"All agencies associated with the fixture are already in close contact in the lead up to the matches. These include representatives from the respective Football Associations, the Metropolitan Police, Strathclyde Police, British Transport Police Forces, the National Criminal Intelligence Service and, of course, the Scottish Executive and the Home Office. The aim throughout will be to ensure that spectators can enjoy both matches in a safe and secure environment as they did when the two teams met at Wembley during Euro 96.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135214,"EventID":"S1O-00544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has had from the business community in Glasgow Rutherglen constituency regarding the proposed M74 extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has had from the business community in Glasgow Rutherglen constituency regarding the proposed M74 extension.","AnswerText":"None from the business community in the Glasgow Rutherglen constituency. Some representations have however been received from umbrella business groups whose membership may include businesses based in Rutherglen.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135215,"EventID":"S1O-00548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-10-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to address the needs of young carers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to address the needs of young carers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I recognise that young carers have specific needs and that more must be done to help meet these needs. I will be announcing shortly the content of our Carers' Strategy for Scotland which will include measures to increase recognition and support for young carers.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135216,"EventID":"S1O-00554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider proposing that victims' families be represented at Parole Board Hearings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider proposing that victims' families be represented at Parole Board Hearings.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Parole Board (Scotland) Rules 1993, the Board considers cases of long term and adult mandatory life prisoners in private. The purpose of the Board's consideration is to establish whether the release of a prisoner on licence is acceptable in terms of risk to the public. The Board does not consider how long a prisoner should serve on grounds of punishment and deterrence. If the family of a victim so request, they will be told when a prisoner is to be considered for release by the Board. The family may also submit their views for consideration by the Board. I have no plans to change these arrangements which allow the views of the families to be considered.
When the Board is sitting as a Tribunal to consider whether a designated life prisoner should be released, it may authorise any person to attend a hearing. This is a matter for the Tribunal to consider in relation to an individual case and I have no plans to change this arrangement.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135217,"EventID":"S1O-00555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Scottish Block is administered by Non Departmental Public Bodies in the current financial year and what was the comparable figure for 1997-98.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Scottish Block is administered by Non Departmental Public Bodies in the current financial year and what was the comparable figure for 1997-98.","AnswerText":"In 1999-2000 it is estimated that contributions to NDPBs will account for £2,006 million out of the total Scottish budget of £16,213 million. The comparable figure for 1997-1998 was £1,700 million out of a total budget of £14,774 million.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135218,"EventID":"S1O-00558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the current review of the Careers Service, whether it still intends to proceed with plans to privatise the Glasgow Careers Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the current review of the Careers Service, whether it still intends to proceed with plans to privatise the Glasgow Careers Service.","AnswerText":"It has never been the intention to make any change to the ownership of the partnership company with which the Scottish Executive contracts for delivery of the careers service. Glasgow Careers Service is not to be \"privatised.\"","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135219,"EventID":"S1O-00566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require Fife Health Board to consult with the people of Dunfermline in regard to the development of its Integrated Health Care Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require Fife Health Board to consult with the people of Dunfermline in regard to the development of its Integrated Health Care Strategy.","AnswerText":"I expect Health Boards and Trusts to engage and consult the public about their strategic proposals. I look to Fife Health Board to follow this process in taking forward the development of its Integrated Health Care Strategy.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135220,"EventID":"S1O-00568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that treatment using intra-cytoplasmic sperm insemination is available to patients in the Greater Glasgow Health Area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that treatment using intra-cytoplasmic sperm insemination is available to patients in the Greater Glasgow Health Area.","AnswerText":"Currently, individual Health Boards determine how to respond to the demand for infertility services, including the provision of high technology procedures such as ICSI, on the basis of clinical need for patients who meet locally determined criteria and from within the resources available.
Access to level 3 services, including ICSI, is under consideration by my Department in the light of the recent review by the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland of the clinical management of infertility services. Once the EAGISS report has been given full consideration by my officials I shall be able to take a view on whether there should be any changes to the current arrangements.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135221,"EventID":"S1O-00572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is its estimate of the total bill for outstanding repairs to Scotland's schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is its estimate of the total bill for outstanding repairs to Scotland's schools.","AnswerText":"The overall management of their school building stock is a matter for individual education authorities. Detailed information of the kind requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135222,"EventID":"S1O-00577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase funding for the Agricultural Business Improvement scheme to fund current applications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase funding for the Agricultural Business Improvement scheme to fund current applications.","AnswerText":"Industry interests have been consulted on how best to deal with the substantial number of applications received under the Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme. I am now considering those comments and will be announcing my decision as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135223,"EventID":"S1O-00581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on Dunfermline's victory in the UK final of 'It's a Knockout'.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on Dunfermline's victory in the UK final of 'It's a Knockout'.","AnswerText":"I would like to congratulate the team representing Dunfermline on their win.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135224,"EventID":"S1O-00589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the current guidance relating to school exclusion to ensure that all children and young people are given the opportunity to appeal against ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the current guidance relating to school exclusion to ensure that all children and young people are given the opportunity to appeal against exclusion.","AnswerText":"The current guidance makes clear that children or young people should have their views taken into account and represented in appeals against exclusion. We have no plans to review it further.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135225,"EventID":"S1O-00591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Transport, Environment and the Regions in the last month.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Transport, Environment and the Regions in the last month.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with DETR across a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135226,"EventID":"S1O-00598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had in the recent resignation of Mrs Charlotte Stenhouse JP as chairman of Fife Health Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had in the recent resignation of Mrs Charlotte Stenhouse JP as chairman of Fife Health Board.","AnswerText":"Mrs Stenhouse wrote to me on 2 November to tender her resignation as the Chairman of Fife Health Board.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135227,"EventID":"S1O-00600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1591 by Sarah Boyack on 30 September 1999, what measures it is taking to protect Scotland's shipping heritage with specific referen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1591 by Sarah Boyack on 30 September 1999, what measures it is taking to protect Scotland's shipping heritage with specific reference to conservation of vessels of historic importance.","AnswerText":"We fully appreciate the significance of Scotland's shipping heritage and have to date designated up to five historic wrecks lying in Scottish waters under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Though the responsibility of conservation of historic vessels lies with their owners, Historic Scotland, an Agency of the Scottish Executive, can give practical advice on conservation issues and will shortly be publishing a policy paper on the protection of underwater archaeology.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135228,"EventID":"S1O-00608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail its programme for the current year for The Healthy Homes Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail its programme for the current year for The Healthy Homes Initiative.","AnswerText":"The Healthy Homes Initiative reflects our commitment to tackling dampness and is a national priority for housing investment. Under our programme substantial resources are available through capital allocations to local authorities for their own stock and for improvement and repairs grants in the private sector. New Housing Partnerships will also result in significant improvements in stock condition. The Warm Deal is central to the Initiative and 100,000 low-income households will benefit during the lifetime of this Administration.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135229,"EventID":"S1O-00611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any further plans to promote its Scotland in Europe campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any further plans to promote its Scotland in Europe campaign.","AnswerText":"Scotland's future is important in Europe. The Executive will continue to work to get Scotland the best possible deal out of Europe, supported and strengthened by being in Europe as part of the UK. The recently opened Scotland House is an important part of that. The promotion of the Scotland in Europe campaign is a matter for the members of that campaign.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135230,"EventID":"S1O-00627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation took place between itself and the Department for Education and Employment in relation to the submission of evidence to the Independent Committee of Inqu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation took place between itself and the Department for Education and Employment in relation to the submission of evidence to the Independent Committee of Inquiry into Student Finance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was sent a copy of the DfEE paper to check for factual accuracy in relation to Scotland before it was submitted to the Committee.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135231,"EventID":"S1O-00629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to lift the restrictions on scallop farms that have fallen within the permitted toxin level on two consecutive tests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to lift the restrictions on scallop farms that have fallen within the permitted toxin level on two consecutive tests.","AnswerText":"This is the general rule operated. However, if toxin levels remain above the statutory limit in adjacent waters additional data will be required.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135232,"EventID":"S1O-00634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Chief Executive of Caledonian MacBrayne and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Chief Executive of Caledonian MacBrayne and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave George Lyon MSP (S1O-00647).","AnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135233,"EventID":"S1O-00635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet with representatives of the North of Scotland Water Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet with representatives of the North of Scotland Water Authority.","AnswerText":"There are regular contacts, in person or by telephone, at both official and Ministerial levels.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135234,"EventID":"S1O-00662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of women appointments to public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of women appointments to public bodies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to strengthening the current levels of women's representation on public bodies. The Scottish Executive has retained the targets set by the previous Scottish Office of increasing the proportion of women appointees from the 1998 level of 47% to 50% by 2002, and of increasing the proportion of bodies chaired by women from 22% to 35% over the same period. We are currently reviewing systems for appointment, including measures to improve women's representation, and I shall be making a statement in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135235,"EventID":"S1O-00666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it can provide on research into motor neurone disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it can provide on research into motor neurone disease.","AnswerText":"We are aware of 8 current research studies in Scotland into various aspects of motor neurone disease. Throughout the UK, there are 29 such studies which are ongoing.
Details of these studies are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135236,"EventID":"S1O-00695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prevent the growing number of incidents of tuberculosis amongst badgers in the North of England spreading into Scotland, with possible serious conse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prevent the growing number of incidents of tuberculosis amongst badgers in the North of England spreading into Scotland, with possible serious consequences for our dairy herd.","AnswerText":"We have no evidence of a growing number of incidents of TB in badgers in the north east of England. There has, indeed, never been a TB outbreak in cattle herds in Scotland which could be associated with TB infection in badgers.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135237,"EventID":"S1O-00696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is prepared in principle to allow a consortium of private interests to construct the M74 link considered in the recent Strategic Roads Review, and whether it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is prepared in principle to allow a consortium of private interests to construct the M74 link considered in the recent Strategic Roads Review, and whether it would allow Scottish Enterprise to assist in funding the M74 link from its own annual budgets.","AnswerText":"When Sarah Boyack announced the conclusions of the Strategic Roads Review, she indicated that the M74 Northern Extension would be promoted by the City of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire Councils. It is for these Councils to develop proposals for the procurement and funding of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135238,"EventID":"S1O-00698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that National Health Service dental treatment is available to all sections of Scottish society.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that National Health Service dental treatment is available to all sections of Scottish society.","AnswerText":"A number of measures are already in place to extend availability to NHS dental services in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135239,"EventID":"S1O-00699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take following the publication of Greater Glasgow Health Board's health report into the Paterson's landfill site at Mount Vernon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take following the publication of Greater Glasgow Health Board's health report into the Paterson's landfill site at Mount Vernon.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of the Greater Glasgow Health Board Report and of public concerns about the health of communities living close to this landfill site. I understand that the report established no causal links between ill-health and Paterson's landfill. The Greater Glasgow Health Board Report may be obtained on request from the Board. The UK Government and the Scottish Executive are funding a study into possible health effects in populations living in the vicinity of landfill sites. It is anticipated that the results of this study will be available by the middle of 2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135240,"EventID":"S1O-00700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that travellers have appropriate access to primary health care services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that travellers have appropriate access to primary health care services.","AnswerText":"A number of initiatives are already in place to improve access to primary health care services by disadvantaged groups.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135241,"EventID":"S1O-00704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from Ayrshire local authorities regarding concerns over the lack of detailed information available about funding for the recently an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from Ayrshire local authorities regarding concerns over the lack of detailed information available about funding for the recently announced new stretch of the M7","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received one representation, from South Ayrshire Council, seeking clarification on the funding arrangements for the new stretch of the M77.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135242,"EventID":"S1O-00710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning testing procedures to ensure that they conform with other European Union member states in the interpretation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning testing procedures to ensure that they conform with other European Union member states in the interpretation of the relevant EU guidelines.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive ensures that testing procedures for ASP are carried out in accordance with EC Directive 97/61. It is for the EU to ensure compliance with EC Directives in other Member States.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135243,"EventID":"S1O-00712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which health boards offer post exposure prophylaxis to members of the public who may have been exposed to HIV. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which health boards offer post exposure prophylaxis to members of the public who may have been exposed to HIV. ","AnswerText":"It is for individual clinicians to decide whether to offer post-exposure prophylaxis taking account of the circumstances of each case.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135244,"EventID":"S1O-00723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to conduct a comprehensive review of its policy and procedures in relation to amnesic shellfish poisoning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to conduct a comprehensive review of its policy and procedures in relation to amnesic shellfish poisoning.","AnswerText":"The statutory marine biotoxin monitoring programme which includes the monitoring of amnesic shellfish poisoning is comprehensively reviewed at the end of each year.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135245,"EventID":"S1O-00728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to support the coal industry in Scotland with specific reference to the transportation of coal by rail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to support the coal industry in Scotland with specific reference to the transportation of coal by rail.","AnswerText":"Officials of the Scottish Executive have met with EWS to discuss questions about the transportation of coal. Coal and rail transport are both of course reserved matters and we are in close touch with The Scotland Office, DTI and DETR about what is being done to help resolve Scottish Coal's problems.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135246,"EventID":"S1O-00729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would consider redrafting its guidance on the Carers Act and, if not, whether it would consider amending existing legislation to entitle carers under the age ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would consider redrafting its guidance on the Carers Act and, if not, whether it would consider amending existing legislation to entitle carers under the age of 16 years to request an assessment of their needs.","AnswerText":"In response to a question yesterday, I made available to Parliament the Scottish Executive's Carers' Strategy for Scotland, a package of measures aimed at supporting the many informal carers in our communities who look after friends or relatives who are frail, sick, disabled or vulnerable. The Strategy contains a commitment to draw up legislative proposals at an early date that will enable carers to have their needs met more directly than can be done at present. In doing so, we will ensure that carers aged under 16 will be entitled to an assessment of their care needs and will be able to receive support in their own right.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135247,"EventID":"S1O-00736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps within its powers it is taking to make it easier to work from home for those people who wish to do so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps within its powers it is taking to make it easier to work from home for those people who wish to do so.","AnswerText":"Studies into home working, including pilot exercises, have been undertaken by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with the aim of demonstrating these benefits. The Scottish Executive supports staff in working from home where the nature of the work or personal circumstances make this possible.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135248,"EventID":"S1O-00739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Huntershill Marie Curie Cancer Care Centre's request for space to deliver services in the proposed Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic Unit at Stobhill Hospital has be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Huntershill Marie Curie Cancer Care Centre's request for space to deliver services in the proposed Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic Unit at Stobhill Hospital has been refused by the Glasgow North University Trust Board.","AnswerText":"It is for North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust to decide which services should be provided at the proposed Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic Centre (ACAD) at Stobhill Hospital.
I understand, however, that the request from Marie Curie to have access to the proposed ACAD came after the original design was developed. The original design had some extra space available and it was suggested that space might be made available to Marie Curie. The original design was rejected by Greater Glasgow Health Board and redesign work is continuing. At no time was accommodation for Marie Curie part of the formal consideration of space required for the ACAD.
The Marie Curie services will continue to be provided from their existing location.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135249,"EventID":"S1O-00740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is evidence of significant support among Glasgow's council tenants for its proposals for community ownership of council housing in Glasgo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is evidence of significant support among Glasgow's council tenants for its proposals for community ownership of council housing in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council has decided to explore transfer of its housing into community ownership. Tenants will be fully consulted in the development of any proposal and, transfer will take place only if tenants vote for it.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135250,"EventID":"S1O-00743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects have been approved under the Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme during the current financial year and what action it is taking to process outstan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects have been approved under the Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme during the current financial year and what action it is taking to process outstanding claims.","AnswerText":"During the current financial year, 850 applications for grant assistance under the Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme (ABIS) have been approved. The outstanding applications are being assessed in accordance with my announcement on 16 November that, subject to the Scheme's rules, applications would be approved for: resource audits; information technology; alternative agricultural production; mobile sheep fanks and dippers; and self-standing systems for the storage and disposal of farm waste. The remaining financial provision for ABIS will be fully committed by 31 December 1999.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135251,"EventID":"S1O-00752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage councils and voluntary organisations to enable young people to take a greater part in the management of youth centres and projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage councils and voluntary organisations to enable young people to take a greater part in the management of youth centres and projects.","AnswerText":"Young people's active participation in decisions affecting their lives and interests is central to our Action Programme for Youth on which we are working with local authorities and the voluntary sector. I have seen several examples of this in practice and commend it to all councils and voluntary organisations.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135252,"EventID":"S1O-00753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet with UNISON to discuss Fife Health Board's acute services review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet with UNISON to discuss Fife Health Board's acute services review.","AnswerText":"The review of acute services is for Fife Health Board and I understand UNISON is formally consulted about service changes in Fife. The review process will provide an opportunity for further consultation with UNISON.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135253,"EventID":"S1O-00756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had or plans to have with Kvaerner over the future of its yard at Methil in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had or plans to have with Kvaerner over the future of its yard at Methil in Fife.","AnswerText":"While the immediate future of the Methil yard is secure, it, like other UK fabrication yards, faces an uncertain outlook. Henry McLeish proposes to meet the new head of Kvaerner Oil & Gas in the near future to discuss the future of the Methil yard and the wider implications for Scotland of Kvaerner's restructuring of its oil and gas business.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135254,"EventID":"S1O-00759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that members of the medical profession who participate in the process to consider claims by ex-miners for compensation and welfare","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that members of the medical profession who participate in the process to consider claims by ex-miners for compensation and welfare payments in relation to emphysema and vibration white finger cases are suitably qualified and experienced in assessing the symptoms of these illnesses.","AnswerText":"The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme, including the special training of doctors, is a matter for the Department of Social Security and as such is reserved to the Westminster Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135255,"EventID":"S1O-00763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce CCTV to the South Kessock area following the recent spate of attacks by young people using fireworks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce CCTV to the South Kessock area following the recent spate of attacks by young people using fireworks.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds CCTV through its 'Make Our Communities Safer' Challenge Competition. Applications are submitted to the Scottish Executive through Chief Executives of local councils and Chief Constables. I understand that no application is being considered for South Kessock for the 2000-2001 round of the Competition which starts next April.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135256,"EventID":"S1O-00774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-11-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to promote sport for people with disabilities in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to promote sport for people with disabilities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland's partnership with Scottish Disability Sport in delivering the Royal Mail-Ready Willing and Able for Sport programme throughout Scotland is continuing to develop and strengthen. The programme develops local partnerships between local authorities and governing bodies of sport to promote sport for people with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135257,"EventID":"S1O-00786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to conduct an audit of local authorities to ensure that they are carrying out their statutory requirements under sections 29 and 30 of the Childr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to conduct an audit of local authorities to ensure that they are carrying out their statutory requirements under sections 29 and 30 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned research into the extent and effectiveness of local authority throughcare and aftercare arrangements, as governed by Sections 29 and 30 of the 1995 Act. The study is being conducted by the University of York and all local authorities have agreed to participate. It began in September and will take two years to complete.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135258,"EventID":"S1O-00788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport last met representatives of the Scottish Rugby Union and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport last met representatives of the Scottish Rugby Union and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I met representatives of the SRU on 5 October and discussed a number of issues relating to the development of rugby. I also met SRU officials in a less formal setting when I attended matches during the Rugby World Cup.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135259,"EventID":"S1O-00800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for Ministers to visit local authorities such as Aberdeenshire to discuss in detail the recommendations of the McIntosh Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for Ministers to visit local authorities such as Aberdeenshire to discuss in detail the recommendations of the McIntosh Report.","AnswerText":"I gave a commitment that I would visit all Scottish local authorities to discuss McIntosh issues. So far, I have had constructive discussions with Councillors, officers and community representatives in 25 councils. Visits to other councils are being arranged and I am looking forward to visiting Aberdeenshire in the near future.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135260,"EventID":"S1O-00813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its policy on the policing of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its policy on the policing of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's policies are set out in the \"Partnership for Scotland\" and \"Making it Work Together\" documents. These confirm our commitment to a strong and effective police service rooted in the communities which they serve.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135261,"EventID":"S1O-00816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to introduce to improve economic and social conditions in the City of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to introduce to improve economic and social conditions in the City of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made available in the excess of £1.8 billion for the city this year. We have more than doubled the number of Social Inclusion Partnerships in the city to introduce Drumchapel, Gorbals, Greater Govan, Greater Pollok, Milton and Spingburn.
Yesterday, Jack McConnell committed the Executive to a review of deprivation indicators used in the allocation of local government resources and we welcome the new education plans, including 10 new secondaries for the city.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135262,"EventID":"S1O-00823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people were excluded from school in academic years 1997-98 and 1998-99 and how many have been excluded to date in this academic year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people were excluded from school in academic years 1997-98 and 1998-99 and how many have been excluded to date in this academic year.","AnswerText":"23 pupils were permanently excluded from primary schools and 92 from secondary schools in 1997/98; 25 pupils were excluded from primary schools and 104 from secondary schools in 1998/99. The rate of temporary exclusions from primary schools was 7 half days in 1997-98 and 9 in 1998-99; for secondary schools the rate was 90 in 1997-98 and 96 in 1998-99. Figures for the current academic year will only be collected retrospectively.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135263,"EventID":"S1O-00829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote \"family friendly\" employment policies within the business community in Scotland as part of the Childcare Strategy for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote \"family friendly\" employment policies within the business community in Scotland as part of the Childcare Strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Family friendly employment is key to allowing people to achieve a balance between home and family life. The Scottish Executive is in contact with Her Majesty's Government on a wide range of issues including proposals for a campaign on a UK basis. This will complement the progress we are making in expanding the provision of affordable, accessible, quality childcare.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135264,"EventID":"S1O-00836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that Fife Health Board and the Acute Services Trust reach agreement on a business plan for acute services in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that Fife Health Board and the Acute Services Trust reach agreement on a business plan for acute services in Fife.","AnswerText":"It is for the Health Board and not the Scottish Executive to plan services in Fife. I look to the Board to consult locally and to work with all its planning partners, including both NHS Trusts in Fife, when considering the options for acute services.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135265,"EventID":"S1O-00840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the First Minister has met with the Chairperson of Scottish Homes since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the First Minister has met with the Chairperson of Scottish Homes since May 1999.","AnswerText":"As Scottish Minister with responsibility for housing, I have regular business meetings with the Chairman of Scottish Homes. The First Minister is not involved in these meetings but has met the Chairman on a less formal basis.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135266,"EventID":"S1O-00841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation exercises the Minister for Children and Education has initiated since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation exercises the Minister for Children and Education has initiated since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"I have issued the following consultation papers:
7 July 1999 - Improving our Schools: Consultation on the Improvement in Scottish Education Bill
14 July 1999 - Consultation on the General Teaching Council for Scotland
10 August 1999 - Cultural Strategy
16 September 1999 - Young People Leaving Care: Consultation Paper on Proposed Transfer of DSS Resources to Local Authorities
11 October 1999 - Limited Consultation on the Removal of the statutory basis of the Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee
8 December 1999 - Consultation on Pre-School and 5-14 Assessment
","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135267,"EventID":"S1O-00843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Treasury in order to protect local bus operators in Scotland from the effects of any increases in fuel taxation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Treasury in order to protect local bus operators in Scotland from the effects of any increases in fuel taxation.","AnswerText":"Direct contacts with Treasury Ministers and the Scotland Office ensure that Scotland's interests are placed firmly on the agenda in Whitehall, on tax as on other matters.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135268,"EventID":"S1O-00861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the closure of rural post offices and the potential for further closures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the closure of rural post offices and the potential for further closures.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government over a range of matters, including those relating to the Post Office. As Rural Affairs Minister, I am well aware of the importance of local post offices for many rural communities throughout Scotland. I have made it clear that I support the maintenance of an extensive rural post office network.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135269,"EventID":"S1O-00867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of the scallop farming industry and what items will be on the agenda.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of the scallop farming industry and what items will be on the agenda.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG), agreed at its recent meeting to convene a meeting devoted to the ASP issue, early in the new year. In addition to the Marine Laboratory Aberdeen, the Sea Fish Industry Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and fishing industry interests, which are all members of SIFAG, invitations will be sent to the Scallop Association, the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, the Live Shellfish Traders Association and the Scottish Fish Merchants Federation. The meeting will look at issues such as the current ASP testing and monitoring regime, research into the causes of ASP, and future means of securing the long term sustainability of those businesses that have been affected by the ban.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135270,"EventID":"S1O-00869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the event that the proposed Public Private Partnership for the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh motorway cannot demonstrate value for money, it intends to fund th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the event that the proposed Public Private Partnership for the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh motorway cannot demonstrate value for money, it intends to fund the proposed stretch of motorway from its budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question 2395.The Executive's expenditure plans for the years after 2001-02 will be set following the review of expenditure programmes planned next year.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135271,"EventID":"S1O-00871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to address the report of the National Audit Office on the Scottish Ambulance Service, particularly with regard to any shortcomings in Grea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to address the report of the National Audit Office on the Scottish Ambulance Service, particularly with regard to any shortcomings in Greater Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the NAO report on the Scottish Ambulance Service. We do not want to pre-empt the Parliament's consideration of it. We are, however, committed to working to ensure that the people of Scotland get the high quality and rapid ambulance response in emergencies that they rightly expect from a modern and improved Health Service. We will look carefully at the recommendations addressed to us and the Scottish Ambulance Service and at what action is necessary.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135272,"EventID":"S1O-00875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funds will be made available to police forces in order that they can recruit and train new officers to replace those transferred to the new drugs enforce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funds will be made available to police forces in order that they can recruit and train new officers to replace those transferred to the new drugs enforcement agency.","AnswerText":"We have made it clear that the costs of establishing the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency, of increasing the size of the Scottish Crime Squad and in strengthening force drug squads will be met centrally. Consequently, no additional resources will be required by forces to recruit and train replacements.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135273,"EventID":"S1O-00877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to discontinue the practice of self-financing pay awards in local government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to discontinue the practice of self-financing pay awards in local government.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are expected to meet the cost of pay awards within the total provision for Government Supported Expenditure, which will be £6,746 million next year, an increase of 3.7% over the comparable figure this year, and higher than the forecast increase in the RPI.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135274,"EventID":"S1O-00884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1298 by Mr Frank McAveety on 13 September 1999, whether it is yet in a position to consider changes to the working practices and de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1298 by Mr Frank McAveety on 13 September 1999, whether it is yet in a position to consider changes to the working practices and decision-making process of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland.","AnswerText":"No. The Renewing Local Democracy Working Group is not due to report until spring 2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135275,"EventID":"S1O-00885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-12-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce details and a timetable for the Strategic Environmental assessment of its policies, as outlined in the Programme for Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce details and a timetable for the Strategic Environmental assessment of its policies, as outlined in the Programme for Government.","AnswerText":"We are closely involved with the development of the EU Directive on this matter which was discussed at the EU Environment Council which I attended in Brussels earlier this week. Many of the key elements of strategic environmental assessment will be taken forward by my Ministerial Group on sustainable development about which I shall make a fuller statement to Parliament in the New Year.
The Council reached a common position on a proposal for a Directive for the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (commonly known as Strategic Environmental Assessment). This would seek to provide a high level of protection of the environment and through integration of environmental considerations into plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development. This Directive is compatible with our Programme for Government commitment to introduce strategic environmental assessment for our Government programmes. We succeeded in ensuring that the scope of the proposed Directive is as clearly defined as possible.
Two other common positions were reached. On a proposal for a second air quality Daughter Directive which will set limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air to ensure a high level of protection for human health. We supported this proposal whose limit values are close to the targets we have already set in the UK's draft Air Quality Strategy. Also, on a proposal for a Council recommendation to set minimum criteria for inspection tasks carried out at Member State level to ensure consistent application and enforcement of Community environmental legislation. The criteria were accompanied by guidance on ways in which their practical application could be monitored by Members States. We supported the proposal which will enable Scotland to continue a risk based approach to inspections, raising the standard of environmental inspections whilst ensuring bureaucracy is minimised.
Council conclusions were agreed on the Global Assessment of the Fifth Environmental Action Programme (which has been the framework of EU environmental policy over the last 6 years) and a set of Headline Indicators. The Assessment will inform the development of the Sixth Environment Action Programme which will set out the environmental priorities over the next decade. We conveyed our view that the Sixth Action programme should set future environmental policy within a wider context, where environmental, social and economic objectives are pursued in a mutually reinforcing way.
A progress report was considered on the proposed National Emission Ceilings Directive which aims to limit emissions of acidifying and eutrophying pollutants and ozone precursors, by setting national emission ceilings (NECS) not to be exceeded after 2010.
Finally, the Council received a Commission report on a chemicals strategy, following a review of the existing EU regulatory framework which has become increasingly complex. The aims of the strategy are to maintain a high level of protection of human health and the environment, to raise the confidence of the public in chemicals management and to ensure compliance with the regulations of the internal market. A Communication will be presented next summer setting out the options for a new comprehensive regulatory system and, to ensure a smooth transition, to speed up the current system for assessing chemicals currently in use.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135276,"EventID":"S1O-00894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-09-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that the compensation due to Scottish miners, their widows and families under the package agreed in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that the compensation due to Scottish miners, their widows and families under the package agreed in June 1999 is paid as a matter of urgency.","AnswerText":"The Executive is keeping closely in touch with Her Majesty's Government on the progress of compensation due to Scottish ex-miners, their widows and families. As of 2 January 2000, 254 full and final payments had been made to Scottish ex-miners, totalling over £500,000. A further £2.5 million had been disbursed as interim payments to Scottish ex-miners and their families.
Prior to the signing of the Handling Agreement for England and Wales in September the Department of Trade and Industry had commenced discussions with Scottish solicitors to adapt the Agreement to take into consideration the differences between English and Scots law. The DTI expects to sign an agreement with Scottish solicitors shortly and this will enable the number of offers to Scottish ex-miners to increase.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137015,"EventID":"S1W-00002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward policy proposals on freedom of information in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward policy proposals on freedom of information in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I hope to be able to make a statement before the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137016,"EventID":"S1W-00003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the figures for the cost of ending tuition fees for students resident in Scotland on which it will be basing its policy proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the figures for the cost of ending tuition fees for students resident in Scotland on which it will be basing its policy proposals.","AnswerText":"Estimated private contribution to tuition fees from Scottish domiciled and EU students studying in Scotland, for 2001-02, the first year when the full cohort of students would be liable to make a contribution, is £42m. This assumes no change in the current arrangements for student support.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137017,"EventID":"S1W-00004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has appointed an Official Spokesperson and if so from what date and with what duties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has appointed an Official Spokesperson and if so from what date and with what duties.","AnswerText":"I announced on 20 May 1999 the appointment of a Principal Special Adviser and a Spokesman with effect from 17 May. These are personal appointments, accountable to me, and were made under the authority of the April 1999 Civil Service Order in Council. In due course I will announce the appointment of further Special Advisers to provide specialist and political advice and assistance complementing that of the civil service.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137018,"EventID":"S1W-00005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has appointed a Chief of Staff and if so, from what date, and with what duties and to whom is the person accountable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has appointed a Chief of Staff and if so, from what date, and with what duties and to whom is the person accountable.","AnswerText":"I announced on 20 May 1999 the appointment of a Principal Special Adviser and a Spokesman with effect from 17 May. These are personal appointments, accountable to me, and were made under the authority of the April 1999 Civil Service Order in Council. In due course I will announce the appointment of further Special Advisers to provide specialist and political advice and assistance complementing that of the civil service.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137019,"EventID":"S1W-00006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and when will the legislative programme be laid out.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and when will the legislative programme be laid out.","AnswerText":"I shall announce the Scottish Executive's legislative programme on Wednesday 16 June.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137020,"EventID":"S1W-00007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister will urgently meet with Scottish fishermens' leaders to discuss the Scottish Adjacent Water Boundaries Order (S.I. 1999/1126) and its implicati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister will urgently meet with Scottish fishermens' leaders to discuss the Scottish Adjacent Water Boundaries Order (S.I. 1999/1126) and its implications for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs and I met with Scottish fishermen's leaders on Friday 4 June to discuss a variety of important issues, including the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137021,"EventID":"S1W-00008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has Special Advisers and if so what is the management structure within which they operate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has Special Advisers and if so what is the management structure within which they operate.","AnswerText":"I announced on 20 May 1999 the appointment of a Principal Special Adviser and a Spokesman with effect from 17 May. These are personal appointments, accountable to me, and were made under the authority of the April 1999 Civil Service Order in Council. In due course I will announce the appointment of further Special Advisers to provide specialist and political advice and assistance complementing that of the civil service.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137022,"EventID":"S1W-00009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether responsibility for the operation in Scotland of - the Harbour Grants Scheme; the Fishing Vessels (Safety Improvements)(Grants) Scheme 1995; and European grants un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether responsibility for the operation in Scotland of - the Harbour Grants Scheme; the Fishing Vessels (Safety Improvements)(Grants) Scheme 1995; and European grants under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance, will transfer to the Scottish Executive on 1 July 1999 and, if so, whether it intends to continue to implement these schemes.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the operation in Scotland of the Harbour Grants Scheme and European grants under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) will transfer to the Scottish Executive on 1 July 1999. It will be for the Scottish Parliament to determine if and how these schemes will continue to be implemented in future.
The Fishing Vessels (Safety Improvements) (Grants) Scheme 1995 was closed by MAFF on 21 May 1999. This Scheme was funded by MAFF and administered by the Sea Fish Industry Authority throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137023,"EventID":"S1W-00010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the support staff which will be provided for each Scottish Minister (including the First Minister and the Scottish Law Officers) and junior Scottish ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the support staff which will be provided for each Scottish Minister (including the First Minister and the Scottish Law Officers) and junior Scottish Minister.","AnswerText":"The civil servants of The Scottish Office (and of the Crown Office in relation to Law Officers) will support Scottish Ministers in the execution of their Ministerial responsibilities. Details of the Private Office staff who will be provided for each Minister as part of that are set out in the table below.
| | Staff in each Private Office |
First Minister | 6 |
Deputy First Minister | 3 |
Business Manager | 3 |
Other Ministers (19) | 2 |
TOTAL | 50 |
In addition, I have already announced the appointed of a Principal Special Adviser and a Spokesman, and will announce in due course the appointment of further Special Advisers to provide specialist and political advice and assistance complementing that of the civil service.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137024,"EventID":"S1W-00011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total anticipated annual salary cost (excluding the standard MSP salary) of; and, the total anticipated annual cost of providing office facilities, support st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total anticipated annual salary cost (excluding the standard MSP salary) of; and, the total anticipated annual cost of providing office facilities, support staff, cars and drivers for, the Scottish Ministers (including the First Minister and the Scottish Law Officers) and junior Scottish Ministers.","AnswerText":"The basis of the costs requested are explained below. The total anticipated annual salaries costs for Scottish Ministers (based on the actual salaries paid to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Law Officers) is £697,539. Office facilities costs are £312,913 which includes accommodation costs. The cost of cars and drivers are a little more difficult to calculate. Based on the usage of the service since the establishment of the Parliament it is anticipated that the cost will be around £300,000. Support staff costs are around £994,000. These costs are met from within the overall provision made for administration.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137025,"EventID":"S1W-00012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for providing its publications in an accessible format for people with sight impairments and other disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for providing its publications in an accessible format for people with sight impairments and other disabilities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office has produced key documents in a number of formats including Braille, large print, audio and sign language video formats. It is expected that this practice will continue under the Scottish Executive. We will also be taking into account the commitments required to meet the needs of disabled people contained in the Disability Discrimination Act.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137026,"EventID":"S1W-00013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends, after 1 July 1999, making proposals to bringing forward the start date for the upgrading of the A77 road between Fenwick and Malletsheugh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends, after 1 July 1999, making proposals to bringing forward the start date for the upgrading of the A77 road between Fenwick and Malletsheugh.","AnswerText":"The proposal to upgrade the A77 trunk road to motorway between Fenwick and Malletsheugh was one of 17 major road improvement schemes considered in the Scottish Strategic Roads Review initiated by the UK Government. The Scottish Executive will wish to take stock and consider the role of trunk roads within the integrated and sustainable approach to transport described in Partnership for Scotland. Thereafter, we shall announce our proposals for trunk road developments.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137027,"EventID":"S1W-00014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the EU Council of Ministers will Scottish Ministers be attending over the next six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the EU Council of Ministers will Scottish Ministers be attending over the next six months.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers may attend EU Council meetings, where appropriate, as part of the UK delegation.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137028,"EventID":"S1W-00015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations, if any, it has made to Her Majesty's Government in respect of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill currently under consideration in the Westminster ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations, if any, it has made to Her Majesty's Government in respect of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill currently under consideration in the Westminster Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with United Kingdom Government Ministers and Departments, including the Department for Social Security, on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137029,"EventID":"S1W-00016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide the Parliament with an estimate of the likely additional costs to Scotland's fish processing industry of measures proposed to implement the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide the Parliament with an estimate of the likely additional costs to Scotland's fish processing industry of measures proposed to implement the European Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) as soon as possible after 1 July.","AnswerText":"I understand that the water authorities have been consulting industrial dischargers, including the fish processing industry, about the effects of implementing the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Much of the fish processing industry is in the area covered by the North of Scotland Water Authority, which has provided individual firms with estimates of the charge increases they will face over the next three years, if they take no action to reduce the amount and strength of the effluent they produce. I understand that the fish processing industry, with assistance from the North of Scotland Water Authority, local authorities, Grampian Enterprise Company and the Seafish Industry Authority, has commissioned consultants to report by August on ways to reduce these charges.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137030,"EventID":"S1W-00017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends after 1 July to request a meeting with Scotland's water authorities to convey the concerns of Scotland's fish processing industry over the implementati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends after 1 July to request a meeting with Scotland's water authorities to convey the concerns of Scotland's fish processing industry over the implementation of measures including new charges in connection with the European Urban Waste Directive (91/271/EEC).","AnswerText":"I intend to meet all three water authorities as soon as possible to discuss a number of matters of mutual interest. I am aware of the particular issues facing the fish processing industry as a consequence of the need to comply with the statutory requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. These will form part of my discussions with the water authorities.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137031,"EventID":"S1W-00018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends after 1 July to request Scotland's water authorities to refrain from signing any contracts in connection with relevant measures relating to the impleme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends after 1 July to request Scotland's water authorities to refrain from signing any contracts in connection with relevant measures relating to the implementation of the European Urban Waste Water Directive (91/271/EEC) until a full review has been undertaken of the impact on Scotland's fish processing industry and its findings considered.","AnswerText":"To introduce a delay in signing these contracts would almost certainly lead to the water authorities failing to meet the statutory requirements imposed by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Clearly the water authorities must continue to plan to comply with their statutory obligations. Failure to do so would leave the UK open to infraction proceedings by the European Commission; any subsequent fines would fall to be met by the Scottish Executive.
This issue is particularly relevant to the North of Scotland Water Authority. I am aware that the Authority is working in partnership with the fish processing industry to find ways to minimise the cost implications arising from compliance with the Directive.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137032,"EventID":"S1W-00019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister would welcome a meeting with a delegation representing Scotland's fish processing industry with a view to assisting their campaign for a morato","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister would welcome a meeting with a delegation representing Scotland's fish processing industry with a view to assisting their campaign for a moratorium on the measures proposed for the implementation of the European Urban Waste Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC).","AnswerText":"My Ministerial colleague with responsibility for rural affairs and I would welcome a meeting with a delegation representing the fish processing industry to discuss the problems it faces. We cannot, however, support a moratorium on the measures proposed for implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. I refer Mr Lochhead to my answer to question S1W-18.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137033,"EventID":"S1W-00020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish an Education Bill and which organisations and individuals will be consulted prior to publication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish an Education Bill and which organisations and individuals will be consulted prior to publication.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper " Improving our Schools " which includes the draft Improvement in Scottish Education Bill was published on 7 July. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137034,"EventID":"S1W-00021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the current estimate of cancelling the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the current estimate of cancelling the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"It is estimated that cost penalties of around £14 million would be incurred if the Holyrood Project were to be cancelled. Some of this might be recouped if the vacant site could later be sold. ","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137035,"EventID":"S1W-00022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the current estimate for the annual running costs of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the current estimate for the annual running costs of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"Early estimates of the likely running costs of a Parliament building at Holyrood made in March 1998, produced a figure of around £10 million per annum. These estimates will be refined, as more information on building systems, rateable value and capital charge becomes available.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137036,"EventID":"S1W-00023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring forward proposals to establish an education forum and, if so, when; and to specify its proposed membership, remit and relationship with (a) Th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring forward proposals to establish an education forum and, if so, when; and to specify its proposed membership, remit and relationship with (a) The Scottish Parliament and (b) Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools.","AnswerText":"We shall consider proposals in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137037,"EventID":"S1W-00024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the current estimate for the total cost of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood and how this compares to the original estimate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the current estimate for the total cost of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood and how this compares to the original estimate.","AnswerText":"The current estimate for the total cost of establishing and equipping the Parliament's accommodation at Holyrood is £109 million, which can be compared with an original estimate of £90 million.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137038,"EventID":"S1W-00025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the breakdown of the costs of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood for - the building itself; and, transport and associated infrast","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what is the breakdown of the costs of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood for - the building itself; and, transport and associated infrastructure.","AnswerText":"The current construction cost estimate for the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood is £62 million excluding fees and VAT. No cost estimates have yet been developed for "transport and associated infrastructure".","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137039,"EventID":"S1W-00026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to safeguard the long-term future of Stracathro Hospital and to indicate its intended strategy for the retention of rural hospitals acros","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to safeguard the long-term future of Stracathro Hospital and to indicate its intended strategy for the retention of rural hospitals across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Tayside Health Board is currently conducting a review of acute services in Tayside which is due to be completed later this year. The services provided at Stracathro hospital are part of that review. The intention is to establish an equitable network of acute services which meets the needs of people across Tayside. The involvement of clinicians and the public is part of the review process. In addition, proposed changes to the configuration of services as a result of the review will be subject to formal public consultation before decisions are taken.The Scottish Executive expects Health Boards to apply the principles of the national Acute Services Review report when planning services for people in rural areas by balancing local access with the provision and maintenance of viable services of appropriate quality.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137040,"EventID":"S1W-00027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals (including drivers) will be employed in the Private Office of each Scottish Minister (including the First Minister and the Scottish Law Officers) and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals (including drivers) will be employed in the Private Office of each Scottish Minister (including the First Minister and the Scottish Law Officers) and junior Scottish Minister; to specify what the responsibilities of each of these members of staff will be; and, what is the estimated annual cost of employing these staff.","AnswerText":"The function of Private Office staff is to support Ministers in the efficient and effective execution of their duties. Information about the projected staffing levels in Ministerial Private Offices is given in my reply today to the question from Mr Gallie. The estimated annual cost of employing these 50 staff is £979,451.
Ministerial cars are provided for Ministers of the Scottish Executive and of UK Government Departments when in Scotland by the Government Car Service (Scotland). Eleven drivers are employed at a cost of £10,545 for each driver. They constitute a shared resource and are not employed in the Private Office of any Scottish Minister.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137041,"EventID":"S1W-00028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Special Advisers it intends to employ; to specify the estimated annual cost of employing Special Advisers; who is appointing Special Advisers; and, what are the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Special Advisers it intends to employ; to specify the estimated annual cost of employing Special Advisers; who is appointing Special Advisers; and, what are the guidelines on the pay of Special Advisers.","AnswerText":"I announced on 20 May 1999 the appointment with effect from 17 May of a Principal Special Adviser and a Spokesman. These are personal appointments, accountable to me and were made under the authority of the April 1999 Civil Service Order in Council. I have today announced a number of further Special Adviser appointments in the Policy Unit in answer to a question from Mr Andrew Wilson. I expect to make further Special Adviser appointments in due course. Until numbers are final, it is not possible to specify the estimated annual cost. I will also announce shortly the arrangements which I have put in place regarding Special Advisers' pay in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137042,"EventID":"S1W-00029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the maximum grant of #500 payable under the \"Warm Deal in Scotland\" programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the maximum grant of #500 payable under the \"Warm Deal in Scotland\" programme.","AnswerText":"With effect from 1 July, the maximum grant will be increased from £315 to £500. We have no present plans for any further increase. In contrast to the previous more limited scheme, the new Warm Deal will provide a more extensive package of works, comprising cavity wall insulation or loft and tank insulation, together with hot tank and pipe insulation, draughtproofing, 4 energy efficient lightbulbs and energy advice.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137043,"EventID":"S1W-00030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to inform the Parliament how many members of the Parliament benefited from a student maintenance grant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to inform the Parliament how many members of the Parliament benefited from a student maintenance grant.","AnswerText":"No. This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137044,"EventID":"S1W-00031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a higher grant for those recipients of the \"Warm Deal\" in Scotland programme who are unemployed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a higher grant for those recipients of the \"Warm Deal\" in Scotland programme who are unemployed.","AnswerText":"There are no such plans. To introduce a higher grant for those who are unemployed would reduce the amount available for pensioners and other vulnerable householders who are not in the labour market.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137045,"EventID":"S1W-00032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange a meeting with the Fish Merchants Association (FMA) to discuss the treatment of effluent from the Scottish fish processing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange a meeting with the Fish Merchants Association (FMA) to discuss the treatment of effluent from the Scottish fish processing industry.","AnswerText":"My Ministerial colleague with responsibility for rural affairs and I would welcome a meeting with representatives of the Scottish fish merchants to discuss the treatment of effluent from the Scottish fish processing industry, if they wish.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137046,"EventID":"S1W-00033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for dealing with fuel poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for dealing with fuel poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We attach high priority to tackling fuel poverty in Scotland. We are pursuing this through the new £12 million Warm Deal which will come into effect on 1 July 1999 and will help low-income households in all sectors of the stock and provide work for unemployed youngsters. The investment programmes which will flow from the New Housing Partnerships initiatives and the resources available to local authorities for works to their own stock will also reduce the number of fuel poor.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137047,"EventID":"S1W-00034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to initiate a Public Inquiry into the operation and management of the following organisations: (a) Craigmillar Festival Society; (b) Craigmillar Opport","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to initiate a Public Inquiry into the operation and management of the following organisations: (a) Craigmillar Festival Society; (b) Craigmillar Opportunities Trust; and (c) Craigmillar Initiatives.","AnswerText":"No. I understand however that the City of Edinburgh Council has received a report on the management, structure and role of organisations and projects in Craigmillar. The council is following up points arising from this report.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137048,"EventID":"S1W-00035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to decentralise Civil Service jobs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to decentralise Civil Service jobs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that local and central government in Scotland are efficient and decentralised, as part of a wider vision of more accessible, open and responsive government. It will be important to make sure that these plans are based on sound evidence, are practically achievable, and take proper account of all of the relevant factors. In the meantime, plans were announced earlier this year to move 60 - 70 posts from Edinburgh to Glasgow. These moves are planned to take place later this year.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137049,"EventID":"S1W-00036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the #600 million referred to in the \"Partnership for Scotland\" agreement for investment in the capital infrastructure of schools does it intend to supp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the #600 million referred to in the \"Partnership for Scotland\" agreement for investment in the capital infrastructure of schools does it intend to support Public Private Partnerships.","AnswerText":"Projects with a capital value of over £400 million have been identified as eligible for revenue support under the "level playing field" arrangements for Public/Private Partnerships. This is on top of the additional expenditure of £185 million for work on school buildings announced following the Comprehensive Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137050,"EventID":"S1W-00037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for marking the official opening of the Scottish Parliament in the south of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for marking the official opening of the Scottish Parliament in the south of Scotland.","AnswerText":"A wide range of organisations were involved in the Opening Ceremony, including school children from every constituency in Scotland. Plans to mark the opening of the Parliament in particular areas of Scotland were matters for local decision.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137051,"EventID":"S1W-00038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the provision of acute hospital services at Stracathro Hospital, Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the provision of acute hospital services at Stracathro Hospital, Angus.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Swinney to my reply of 15 June to Mr Ben Wallace.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137052,"EventID":"S1W-00039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to investigate allegations that the British National Party has committed electoral fraud in relation to the elections to the European Parliament to be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to investigate allegations that the British National Party has committed electoral fraud in relation to the elections to the European Parliament to be held on 10 June 1999.","AnswerText":"It is for the returning officers concerned, rather than for Ministers, to decide whether to accept nominations at the European Parliamentary elections, and for the police and prosecuting authorities to investigate whether any criminal offences have been committed.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137053,"EventID":"S1W-00040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will have power from 1 July to require food products such as possibly dioxin-contaminated Belgian pig meat to be clearly labelled with their country of origin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will have power from 1 July to require food products such as possibly dioxin-contaminated Belgian pig meat to be clearly labelled with their country of origin.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers will have the powers from 1 July to legislate in this area, within the parameters set in EU legislation.The labelling of food is largely harmonised at EC level and is controlled in Great Britain by the Food Labelling Regulations 1996. These Regulations do not include compulsory labelling of "country of origin" but they do require the particulars of the place of origin or provenance of the food to be given where failure to give such particulars might mislead the purchaser to a material degree as to the true origin or provenance of the food.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137054,"EventID":"S1W-00041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the proposed ending of the European Commission's scheme which supplies milk at reduced rates to school children (EC 3392/93), what plans does it have to a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the proposed ending of the European Commission's scheme which supplies milk at reduced rates to school children (EC 3392/93), what plans does it have to adopt an equivalent scheme?","AnswerText":"The EU funded School Milk Scheme has been in operation since 1977. My understanding is that the Commission has recently conducted an evaluation of the Scheme, although no proposal for altering or amending it has yet emerged. The UK Government line, which I support, is to press for the continuation of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137055,"EventID":"S1W-00042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek information from Her Majesty's Government on any derogations from the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) which were sought for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek information from Her Majesty's Government on any derogations from the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) which were sought for areas of high natural dispersion and, if so, whether it will make this information available.","AnswerText":"I understand that Her Majesty's Government submitted an application to the European Commission for a derogation under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for the discharge from Aberdeen in February 1998. The UK withdrew the application after discussions with the European Commission and other Member States who indicated that they would not support such a proposal.Ireland also sought derogation for more time to implement treatment for two of their discharges although these applications did not relate to areas of high natural dispersion. It also withdrew its proposal following similar discussions.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137056,"EventID":"S1W-00043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish a map of the European Union showing those areas in respect of which valid derogations have been granted from the Urban Waste Water Treatment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish a map of the European Union showing those areas in respect of which valid derogations have been granted from the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) as areas of high natural dispersion.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office published a map showing high natural dispersion areas around Scotland in October 1998 and I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Scottish Parliamentary Information Centre. There are no derogations from the requirement for secondary treatment in place for the UK at present. I understand the European Commission has published a map of the European Union showing high natural dispersion areas. There are no derogations shown.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137057,"EventID":"S1W-00044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue the use of public/private partnerships for the \"Replacement/ School Building Programme\"; and in particular whether it intends to do so in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue the use of public/private partnerships for the \"Replacement/ School Building Programme\"; and in particular whether it intends to do so in the City of Edinburgh regarding schools in the Niddrie/ Craigmillar and Muirhouse areas.","AnswerText":"Decisions on whether to pursue school building public/private partnerships are for the local authorities. Such partnerships are expected to continue to make a significant contribution to the improvement of local authority school buildings, in addition to the public sector funding available to local authorities for that purpose. Questions about building work in schools in Edinburgh are matters for the City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137058,"EventID":"S1W-00045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish, as soon as possible after 1 July 1999, details relating to its liability to pay for the costs incurred in respect of building the M6 cross-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish, as soon as possible after 1 July 1999, details relating to its liability to pay for the costs incurred in respect of building the M6 cross-border motorway link and any future running costs that may or will be incurred together with clarification as to whether any of the costs relate to parts of the motorway link located within England.","AnswerText":"An analysis of the liability and costs which fall to the Scottish Executive for the M6 Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract can be examined in the Report entitled "The Contract to Complete and Operate the A74(M)/M74 Motorway in Scotland" published on 9 April 1999 by the National Audit Office. The DBFO contract included an option to construct to motorway standard the Guards Mill-Carlisle section of the A74 in England and to maintain and operate the section of road between the border and Carlisle. As the Report states, this option was not ultimately taken up, therefore the geographical limits of the contract lie entirely within Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137059,"EventID":"S1W-00046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the plans to establish a new college of Further Education at Kilwinning in Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the plans to establish a new college of Further Education at Kilwinning in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"No. The contract was signed in March 1999 and construction is underway. The people of North Ayrshire are looking forward to the benefits of accessing a major new local FE facility by the middle of the year 2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137060,"EventID":"S1W-00047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring forward legislation to abolish warrant sales in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring forward legislation to abolish warrant sales in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Warrant sales act as an ultimate sanction within a range of remedies available to the creditor for all types of debt. The system of warrant sales was reformed by the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987. These reforms removed the most resented and harsh aspects of the procedure. The results of a study into the effectiveness of the working of the procedures introduced by the 1987 Act, including those for poinding and warrant sale, has just been published. The Executive will give consideration to the study reports and, in particular, will consider whether any further legislation is desirable.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137061,"EventID":"S1W-00048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will ensure that no further contracts are signed for the Holyrood Building Project until Parliament has considered the matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will ensure that no further contracts are signed for the Holyrood Building Project until Parliament has considered the matter.","AnswerText":"I told Members on 9 June 1999 in a statement from the chair that I had issued an instruction for no further works contracts to be signed for the next ten days; that instruction has been adhered to.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137062,"EventID":"S1W-00049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in light of its policy for social inclusion, it intends to take any action in relation to trainees with disabilities at 'Growing Concern' whose wishes to remain o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in light of its policy for social inclusion, it intends to take any action in relation to trainees with disabilities at 'Growing Concern' whose wishes to remain on public horticultural land at Daldovie, Glasgow are not being adhered to by Glasgow City Council.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Glasgow City Council.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137063,"EventID":"S1W-00050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase its planned expenditure on the National Carers Strategy and if so, when and by how much. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase its planned expenditure on the National Carers Strategy and if so, when and by how much. ","AnswerText":"I am considering with my colleagues in the Scottish Executive how to take the National Carers Strategy forward in Scotland. An announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137064,"EventID":"S1W-00051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish a progress report on the implementation of the National Carers Strategy in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish a progress report on the implementation of the National Carers Strategy in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I am considering with my colleagues in the Scottish Executive how to take the National Carers Strategy forward in Scotland. An announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137065,"EventID":"S1W-00052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what measures it proposes to ensure that the interests and views of children and young people are taken into account in the work of the Parliament's Committees.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what measures it proposes to ensure that the interests and views of children and young people are taken into account in the work of the Parliament's Committees.","AnswerText":"The Education, Culture and Sport Committee has included in its remit "To consider and report on ... such ... matters as fall within the responsibility of the Minister for Children and Education". It is a matter for that committee to decide from which bodies and interest groups it will seek information and evidence in connection with matters within that remit. Other committees also, if dealing with matters affecting the interests of children and young people, can obtain information and hear evidence from such sources as the Committee considers appropriate.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137066,"EventID":"S1W-00053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to resolve the growing problem of bed-blocking in Scotland's hospitals and what resources it intends to make available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to resolve the growing problem of bed-blocking in Scotland's hospitals and what resources it intends to make available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that Health Boards in Scotland continue to work with their local authority partners in addressing all avenues, including financial, to reduce delays in discharge from NHS care.
Over and above the £800 million available to local authorities for community care this year, the NHS makes substantial transfers of resources to local authorities for community care. These totalled nearly £120 million in 1998-99. It is our intention that additional resources will transfer this year.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137067,"EventID":"S1W-00054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a regulatory body to ensure that bus service providers deliver an effective service in local communities in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a regulatory body to ensure that bus service providers deliver an effective service in local communities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Regulatory powers over local bus services in Scotland are currently exercised by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. I expect that enhancements will be secure through appropriate provisions in the Transport Bill which, as the First Minister mentioned in his statement on 16 June, will be brought forward later in this Session. Our legislative proposals will take into account, at the same time, responses to the UK Government's consultation paper "From Workhorse to Thoroughbred - A Better Role for Bus Travel".","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137068,"EventID":"S1W-00055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish any studies which have been carried out to show the pathogen content of abattoir by-products and sewage, and whether it will publish any st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish any studies which have been carried out to show the pathogen content of abattoir by-products and sewage, and whether it will publish any studies which have been done on the residues from contraceptive pills in sewage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not commissioned any studies in these areas. However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, at the request of Scottish Office Ministers, recently carried out a comprehensive review of the current regimes controlling the disposal of organic wastes to land. A public consultation has recently been completed on the findings of this review, and the responses are currently being analysed. There is other recent and ongoing research in a number of relevant areas by a range of organisations, though publication of this work is not a question for the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137069,"EventID":"S1W-00056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to institute a study into the presence of pathogens in sewage at the time of removal from treatment works and the persistency of those pathogens once a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to institute a study into the presence of pathogens in sewage at the time of removal from treatment works and the persistency of those pathogens once applied to land.","AnswerText":"Research into these issues is being commissoned by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Environment Agency. The Scottish Executive will see the outcome of this work in due course.The Scottish Executive has not commissioned any separate studies in this area.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137070,"EventID":"S1W-00057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to route underground sections of the 28 mile long powerline that is to be constructed through Carrick in order to service the interconnector to Northern","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to route underground sections of the 28 mile long powerline that is to be constructed through Carrick in order to service the interconnector to Northern Ireland, bearing in mind that (a) The last UK Government agreed that undergrounding of certain sections would do less damage to the environment of that region and (b) the electricity supplied would be more economically produced in Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"I have no such plans. Consent for the construction of an overhead electricity line through South Ayrshire was granted in 1997, and there is in any event no statutory basis on which it can be revisited.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137071,"EventID":"S1W-00058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussion with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Home Secretary in regard to the implications for refugees in Scotland and for Local Aut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussion with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Home Secretary in regard to the implications for refugees in Scotland and for Local Authorities of the Asylum Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the Immigration and Asylum Bill.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137072,"EventID":"S1W-00059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what opportunities exist to acquire additional office and meeting room accommodation near the Assembly Hall.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what opportunities exist to acquire additional office and meeting room accommodation near the Assembly Hall.","AnswerText":"he requirement for accommodation to support the Parliament's business is being monitored and preliminary investigations are being made regarding the options that may be available to satisfy any additional requirement. Parliament officials have looked specifically at the potential needs for overspill accommodation for the committees and have confirmed the availability of two local venues should this prove necessary.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137073,"EventID":"S1W-00060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether it is willing to negotiate arrangements with the City of Edinburgh Council to enable the Parliament to have offices and committee meeting rooms near the Assembly H","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether it is willing to negotiate arrangements with the City of Edinburgh Council to enable the Parliament to have offices and committee meeting rooms near the Assembly Hall on a permanent basis.","AnswerText":"The Parliament has decided to continue with the Holyrood Project to establish a permanent home for the Scottish Parliament. On that basis there should be no requirement for the leasing of office space and committee meeting rooms near the Assembly Hall on a permanent basis.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137074,"EventID":"S1W-00061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is willing to negotiate arrangements with the Church of Scotland whereby the Parliament continue to sit in the Assembly H","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is willing to negotiate arrangements with the Church of Scotland whereby the Parliament continue to sit in the Assembly Hall and vacate it each year to allow the General Assembly to be held.","AnswerText":"No. The Parliament has agreed to continue with the Holyrood project to establish a permanent home for the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137075,"EventID":"S1W-00062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer (a) what plans there are to implement roadworks to address the traffic problems created by a Parliament on the Holyrood site and other nearby developments; (b) who will pa","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer (a) what plans there are to implement roadworks to address the traffic problems created by a Parliament on the Holyrood site and other nearby developments; (b) who will pay for the roadworks, and (c) what is the estimated cost of the roadworks.","AnswerText":"The traffic impact assessment carried out by Halcrow Fox and completed in early June 1999 did not identify significant traffic problems arising from the siting of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. Roadworks will be required as part of the landscaping design of the area surrounding the building. Cost estimates are not yet available and funding is a matter for the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137076,"EventID":"S1W-00063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a traffic impact study related to the Parliament Building proposed at Holyrood has been carried out, when the report of the study will be available, and who is pay","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a traffic impact study related to the Parliament Building proposed at Holyrood has been carried out, when the report of the study will be available, and who is paying for the study.","AnswerText":"A traffic impact assessment was carried out by Halcrow Fox to consider traffic issues in the area surrounding the site of the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. The study report forms part of the 'Notice of Proposed Development (Reserved Matters)' application and is available for public inspection at the City of Edinburgh Council Planning Department, 1 Cockburn St. Edinburgh. The cost of the study will be met by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137077,"EventID":"S1W-00064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether he will make available to members, information and plans related to the option of creating a Parliamentary complex to include a new chamber and other additional a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether he will make available to members, information and plans related to the option of creating a Parliamentary complex to include a new chamber and other additional accommodation based at St Andrew's House and the old Royal High School.","AnswerText":"Material from the design feasibilty studies on all the proposed sites for the Scottish Parliament building and a summary of the Comparative Transport and Environmental Assessment were placed in the House of Commons Library on 12 January 1998 by the then Minister of State at the Scottish Office, Henry McLeish. I am arranging for a copy of the same documents to be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Library.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137078,"EventID":"S1W-00065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to ring fence any or all of the planned expenditure for the implementation of the National Carers Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to ring fence any or all of the planned expenditure for the implementation of the National Carers Strategy.","AnswerText":"I am considering with my colleagues in the Scottish Executive how to take the National Carers Strategy forward in Scotland. An announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137079,"EventID":"S1W-00066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to support the provision of free residential and nursing care for elderly people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to support the provision of free residential and nursing care for elderly people.","AnswerText":"The recommendations in the report of the Royal Commission on Long Term Care about social work, health and housing matters will be for Scottish Ministers from 1 July. These include the recommendations about personal care and nursing care. We are considering our response.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137080,"EventID":"S1W-00067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to meet with members of the Scottish Legal Aid Board to discuss delays in Legal Aid payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to meet with members of the Scottish Legal Aid Board to discuss delays in Legal Aid payments.","AnswerText":"My officials have met senior officers at the Board twice recently and this matter has also been discussed with the Board in the Tripartite Group which also includes the Law Society of Scotland. I am being kept fully informed and plan to meet the Board in due course as part of my familiarisation with the key players in the justice system.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137081,"EventID":"S1W-00068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make extra financial provision for the costs of police overtime during the Millennium holiday period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make extra financial provision for the costs of police overtime during the Millennium holiday period.","AnswerText":"Police grant-aided expenditure for 1999-2000 was set at a level which assumed full use of Government funds available for expenditure on police services. However, while forces must plan to meet their expenditure from within the resources available to them, the funding position is kept under review and if additional resources are identified, any police needs would be taken into account in distributing those.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137082,"EventID":"S1W-00069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to lay before the Parliament the 38 responses made to the February 1998 consultation paper on changes to the Right to Buy scheme and cost floor rules.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to lay before the Parliament the 38 responses made to the February 1998 consultation paper on changes to the Right to Buy scheme and cost floor rules.","AnswerText":"Copies of 37 of the responses are being placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. In the remaining case, comments were provided on an "in confidence" basis.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137083,"EventID":"S1W-00070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to restore, for a period of six months or other trial period, to those tenants affected by the Housing (Right to Buy)(Cost Floor)(Scotland) Order (S.I.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to restore, for a period of six months or other trial period, to those tenants affected by the Housing (Right to Buy)(Cost Floor)(Scotland) Order (S.I. 1999/611) the right to purchase their council house with the benefit of the discount which they would have received under the previous rules.","AnswerText":"No. The Housing (Right to Buy) (Cost Floor) (Scotland) Order took effect on 1 April 1999 and applies to all applications to purchase served on or after that date.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137084,"EventID":"S1W-00071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the Housing (Right to Buy)(Cost Floor)(Scotland) Order (S.I. 1999/611) and the Right to Buy Cost Floor Determination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the Housing (Right to Buy)(Cost Floor)(Scotland) Order (S.I. 1999/611) and the Right to Buy Cost Floor Determination.","AnswerText":"No. However, the Housing Green Paper sought views on the Right to Buy more generally. Responses to the Green Paper on this and other issues are currently being collated and analysed.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137085,"EventID":"S1W-00072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reassure junior doctors of its commitment to the target of \"56 actual hours worked\" as set out in the \"New Deal for Junior Doctors 1991\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reassure junior doctors of its commitment to the target of \"56 actual hours worked\" as set out in the \"New Deal for Junior Doctors 1991\".","AnswerText":"A commitment to the achievement of the 56 hour target here in Scotland has already been given and I can restate our determination to see that fully implemented. We have announced joint plans with the British Medical Association (BMA) to support NHS Trusts' implementation of New Deal standards and I have written to the Chairman of the Junior Doctors Committee in Scotland to arrange a meeting to discuss this and other issues concerning junior doctors.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137086,"EventID":"S1W-00073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to take account of the potential combined impact on hospital services of \"bed-blockers\" and the anticipated increase in hospital admissions over the 19","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to take account of the potential combined impact on hospital services of \"bed-blockers\" and the anticipated increase in hospital admissions over the 1999-2000 New Year holiday period in its Milleniunm contingency planning.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that Health Boards and NHS Trusts continue work with other agencies, including local authorities, to cope with periods of peak demand as part of the process of managing effectively the services provided to patients. They have been asked to plan particularly for the additional demands that may arise over the 1999-2000 New Year holiday period.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137087,"EventID":"S1W-00074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has entered into any correspondence with the Forum of Private Business and whether it intends to meet representatives of the Forum","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has entered into any correspondence with the Forum of Private Business and whether it intends to meet representatives of the Forum","AnswerText":"The Forum of Private Business has written to me and I met representatives of the organisation on Wednesday 30 June.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137088,"EventID":"S1W-00075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek an assurance from the Scottish Legal Aid Board that either - (a) the targets within which Advice and Assistance, Civil and Criminal accounts sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek an assurance from the Scottish Legal Aid Board that either - (a) the targets within which Advice and Assistance, Civil and Criminal accounts should be paid are being met; or, (b) arrangements are being made to ensure that the targets will be met in future.","AnswerText":"The targets set out in the Board's annual Corporate Plan are the subject of monthly monitoring by the Board. Recently the Board has fallen seriously behind the targets on the payment of criminal legal aid accounts, and slightly behind in other areas. The Board has recently had a drive for improved quality in accounts assessment, and this, combined with staff turnover, has led to delays. The Board has put in place measures to tackle the backlog including additional staff and is now starting to recover the position. I am being kept fully informed of the developing situation.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137089,"EventID":"S1W-00076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce the findings of the review of trunk road schemes initiated in June 1997 by the Minister then responsible for transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce the findings of the review of trunk road schemes initiated in June 1997 by the Minister then responsible for transport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will wish to take stock of the Strategic Roads Review initiated by the UK Government and consider the role of such roads within the integrated and sustainable approach to transport described in Partnership for Scotland. Thereafter, we shall announce our proposals for trunk road developments.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137090,"EventID":"S1W-00077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what account has been taken in decisions about the location of the Scottish Parliament building of the report from Halcrow Fox which stated that the Calton Hill site was b","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what account has been taken in decisions about the location of the Scottish Parliament building of the report from Halcrow Fox which stated that the Calton Hill site was better than the Holyrood site for urban setting, ease of access and public transport.","AnswerText":"The feasibility studies for the 4 'short- listed' Edinburgh sites were the key documents considered before the decision was made by the then Secretary of State to locate the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. All of the relevent factors covered in the Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick 'Comparative Transport and Environmental Assessment' were carefully considered when that report was published. The then Secretary of State made clear that on the basis of all the information available to him, Holyrood represented the best option.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137091,"EventID":"S1W-00078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it was first announced (a) that the cost of the proposed Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood would be #50 million plus VAT, fees etc. and (b) that the total fina","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it was first announced (a) that the cost of the proposed Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood would be #50 million plus VAT, fees etc. and (b) that the total financial provision for the Parliament building at Holyrood will be #90 million excluding landscaping.","AnswerText":"The £50 million construction cost estimate (excluding fees and VAT) for the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood was first announced in Scottish Office Press Release No 29/98 issued on 9 January 1998. The £90 million financial provision was first announced as a grand total in the Presiding Officer's paper circulated to all MSPs on 9 June. Previous answers to PQs provided combinations of the individual cost elements totalling £83.5million.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137092,"EventID":"S1W-00079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer for an explanation of why no Traffic Impact Assessment has been submitted in respect of the Holyrood Parliament building planning application.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer for an explanation of why no Traffic Impact Assessment has been submitted in respect of the Holyrood Parliament building planning application.","AnswerText":"The Halcrow Fox Transport Impact Assessment was submitted on 11 June as supplementary information to the Notice of Proposed Development (Reserved Matters)" application, which was registered in May 1999. It is available for public inspection at the City of Edinburgh Council Planning Department, 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137093,"EventID":"S1W-00080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to make available information relating to (a) the annual capital spending on construction of the new trunk road schemes in Scotland over the last five yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to make available information relating to (a) the annual capital spending on construction of the new trunk road schemes in Scotland over the last five years, (b) all such schemes costing over #10 million, and (c) the proposed expenditure in connection with schemes over the next four years.","AnswerText":"Details of expenditure since 1994-95 and plans to 2001-02 are contained in "Serving Scotland's Needs", a copy of which is in the Parliament's Information Centre. No plans have yet been drawn up for the fourth year, 2002-03.Schemes costing over £10million during the last 5 years are: M77, A96 Blackburn-Kintore, A1 Tranent-Haddington, M8 Extension, A74(M) Ecclefechan-Eaglesfield (Phase 2), A74(M) Maryville-Fullarton Road, A74(M) Eaglesfield-Kirkpatrick Fleming, A74(M) Ecclefechan-Eaglesfield Ph 1, A74(M) Water of Milk- Ecclefechan, A74(M) Muirhouse- Water of Milk, A74(M) Dinwoodie Green-Muirhouse, A74(M) Cleuchbrae Dinwoodie Green.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137094,"EventID":"S1W-00081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prepare practical arrangements for the implementation of the Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prepare practical arrangements for the implementation of the Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Highlands and Islands Agricultural Programme began in 1994. Amendments to the original Programme took effect on 31 March 1999. The Programme is administered through agricultural Area Offices and anyone wishing details of the Programme, including the recent amendments to it, should contact their Area Office.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137095,"EventID":"S1W-00082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement an enhanced payment scheme under the Organic Aid Scheme and what is the timescale for such changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement an enhanced payment scheme under the Organic Aid Scheme and what is the timescale for such changes.","AnswerText":"Subject to receiving the approval of the European Commission and of this Chamber, my hope is that increased payments should be available by October.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137096,"EventID":"S1W-00083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to progress towards moving the payment of Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances on to an area basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to progress towards moving the payment of Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances on to an area basis.","AnswerText":"A further consultation document on any future support for farming in Scotland's Less-Favoured Areas will be issued once full details of the EU implementing and transitional regulations are known.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137097,"EventID":"S1W-00084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the mission statement and the strategic and operational objectives for departments of the Scottish Administration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the mission statement and the strategic and operational objectives for departments of the Scottish Administration.","AnswerText":"Departmental aims and objectives, along with expenditure plans, were published in 'Serving Scotland's Needs' (Cm 4215) in March 1999. Revised objectives for the Scottish Executive will be published as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137098,"EventID":"S1W-00085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to implement any measures within its areas of responsibility to address the inequality in pay between men and women in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to implement any measures within its areas of responsibility to address the inequality in pay between men and women in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be seeking to promote equal opportunities across its responsibilities. Through its education, training and childcare policies it will enable women to take a more active part in the labour market and maximise their earnings.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137099,"EventID":"S1W-00086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make an estimate of the impact on employment in Scotland resulting from the implementation of the European Employment Pact.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make an estimate of the impact on employment in Scotland resulting from the implementation of the European Employment Pact.","AnswerText":"The European Employment Pact aims to strengthen existing strategies for economic reform and employment. It does not introduce specific employment measures, and we therefore have no plans to assess its impact on employment in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137100,"EventID":"S1W-00087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for a breakdown of its plans for the individual funding allocation over the next 3 years for (a) the new Social Inclusion Partnerships in Drumchapel, Greater Pollok and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for a breakdown of its plans for the individual funding allocation over the next 3 years for (a) the new Social Inclusion Partnerships in Drumchapel, Greater Pollok and Glasgow, and (b) the 21 Social Inclusion Partnerships formed from the previous Programme for Partnership Areas and Regeneration Programmes.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table.
| | | £ thousands |
Name of Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) | Financial Year Allocations (Social Inclusion Partnership Fund) | | |
| 1999-00 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 |
Previously Priority Partnership Areas (PPAs) | Firm | Indicative | Indicative |
Great Northern (Aberdeen) | 809 | 760 | 760 |
North Edinburgh | 2,877 | 2,523 | 2,300 |
Dundee 1 | 2,512 | 2,055 | 2,000 |
Glasgow East End | 2,800 | 2,800 | 2,800 |
Glasgow North | 3,300 | 2,900 | 2,900 |
Greater Easterhouse | 3,400 | The Scottish Executive is committed to set and monitor targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times. We plan to ensure that this commitment extends to outpatients as well as inpatient and day case treatment. There will be consultation on this issue before the targets are set. These targets will be closely monitored and will be published.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137104,"EventID":"S1W-00091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details after 1 July on how many applications for approval of landfill dumping sites it is currently processing and on the number of applica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details after 1 July on how many applications for approval of landfill dumping sites it is currently processing and on the number of applications being processed by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities.","AnswerText":"Applications for planning permission for landfill sites are made in the first instance to local authorities, and for waste management licences to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Details of such applications are held on public registers by the appropriate body but are not held centrally. SEPA publish summary numbers of licence applications and the outcome in their annual report. The Scottish Executive may process certain planning applications (such as those being considered following call-in or appeal) but there are no present plans to publish details of the number of applications being processed.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137105,"EventID":"S1W-00092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish information after 1 July on what proportion of Scotland's domestic waste is currently (a) recycled, (b) dumped in landfill sites, (c) incine","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish information after 1 July on what proportion of Scotland's domestic waste is currently (a) recycled, (b) dumped in landfill sites, (c) incinerated without heat recovery; and, (d) incinerated with heat recovery.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being collected for 1997 and 1998 as part of a research project co-funded by The Scottish Office and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. Results from the project will be available in the Autumn to coincide with publication of the National Waste Strategy for Scotland. In the future, certain information on waste disposal and recovery will be collected annually by the Accounts Commission.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137106,"EventID":"S1W-00093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details after 1 July of the proportion of students who were not exempt from a parental contribution who were assessed as requiring a parenta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details after 1 July of the proportion of students who were not exempt from a parental contribution who were assessed as requiring a parental contribution in each of the academic sessions (a) 1998-99, (b) 1997-98 and (c) 1996-97.","AnswerText":"Information on the incidence of assessed parental and spouse contributions to student awards in academic year 1996/97 has already been published, albeit not in the precise form requested. It is contained in \"Student Awards 1996-97\", published by The Scottish Office in October 1997 under the reference Edn/L1/1997/8. Similar information for academic years 1997/98 and 1998/99 will be published in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137107,"EventID":"S1W-00094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to authorise the construction of grade separated junctions on the A90 Forfar bypass.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to authorise the construction of grade separated junctions on the A90 Forfar bypass.","AnswerText":"Design preparation of grade separated junctions at Kirriemuir and Glamis is in hand, and material is being prepared for the publication of draft enabling orders later in the year. Once the statutory procedures have been completed consideration can be given to construction of the junctions.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137108,"EventID":"S1W-00095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to make alternative arrangements for childcare provision, given that there is no creche facility available in the","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to make alternative arrangements for childcare provision, given that there is no creche facility available in the Parliament's temporary accommodation.","AnswerText":"Prior to the election, a questionnaire was issued to all prospective candidates in an attempt to gauge the possible requirement for childcare provision in the Scottish Parliament. Based on the responses received, no arrangements were made. The question of allowances for Members has already been debated and agreed, and an allowances scheme is now in place. This does not include provision for assistance with childcare facilities. The SPCB will shortly undertake a further survey of Members, their staff and Parliamentary staff and, based on the results, consider what form of assistance, if any, can be made available.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137109,"EventID":"S1W-00096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the Trunk Road Review for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the Trunk Road Review for Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Robson to my answer of 24 June to Mr Murray Tosh (south of Scotland).","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137110,"EventID":"S1W-00097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide a framework for aggregates forecasting for Scotland and sub markets within Scotland, and targets for the use of secondary and/or recycled ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide a framework for aggregates forecasting for Scotland and sub markets within Scotland, and targets for the use of secondary and/or recycled materials.","AnswerText":"Current guidance on aggregates planning is set out in National Planning Policy Guideline 4: Land for Mineral Working. There are currently no plans to introduce a forecasting framework for the production of aggregates. At present, planning authorities should provide for an adequate and steady supply of aggregates, with a landbank in permitted reserves equivalent to at least 10 years' extraction at all times for an appropriate local market area. NPPG 4 also acknowledges that the use of secondary aggregate mineral and construction wastes is sound environmental practice and should be encouraged and facilitated wherever practicable. Research will be undertaken shortly to gather information on current recycling activity. This will inform consideration of the need for future targets.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137111,"EventID":"S1W-00098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Minister for Health and Community Care has to meet representatives from the British Dental Association (Scotland) to discuss dental decay in children under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Minister for Health and Community Care has to meet representatives from the British Dental Association (Scotland) to discuss dental decay in children under the age of 14.","AnswerText":"I have written to the British Dental Association inviting them to a meeting to discuss oral health issues.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137112,"EventID":"S1W-00099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to utilise the criteria for the deprivation index in the allocation of NHS resources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to utilise the criteria for the deprivation index in the allocation of NHS resources.","AnswerText":"The conclusions of the National Review of Resource Allocation for the NHS in Scotland were published on 15 July, in the form of the report 'Fair Shares For All'. In order to give Members and the general public sufficient time to consider the Review's recommendations I have decided that the report should be subject to consultation for a period of four months from the date of publication. The Parliamentary Committee for Health and Community Care will be briefed on the Review and I look forward to hearing their views on some of the key issues. A copy of the Review's report has been sent to each member and has been laid in the Parliamentary Library. The Review's remit asked it to bring forward recommendations with the aim of promoting fair access to healthcare, based on the health needs of each area Health Board. This has involved the use of a wide range of relevant deprivation indicators in order to assess needs associated with deprivation. The full list of the indicators used by the Review are included in the report.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137113,"EventID":"S1W-00100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take in addressing Scotland's record of chronic heart disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take in addressing Scotland's record of chronic heart disease.","AnswerText":"Tackling Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) has been one of the clinical priorities of the National Health Service in Scotland for some years.Scotland's CHD burden means that we must find ways to stop people getting the disease in the first place. The Scottish Executive is taking forward a £15m demonstration project under the White Paper Towards a Healthier Scotland which will build on international experience in promoting primary prevention of CHD. We are also addressing the needs of those with the established disease. We are raising the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) rate to 616 per million population by the end of March 2000, thereby treating the disease at a less advanced stage and minimising delays that lead to avoidable disease and death. Our CHD Task Force is also working on an assessment of the appropriate rate for the Scottish population for both CABG and angioplasty, and I shall want to take account of the implications of that work. We also need to look at ways of improving cardiac rehabilitation services across the country. The overall aim of the Task Force's work is to make sure that people with CHD have equity of access to the network of cardiac services and are not disadvantaged by factors such as age or where they live.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137114,"EventID":"S1W-00101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the drugs problem in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the drugs problem in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Tackling Scotland's drugs problem is one of a number of priority areas the Scottish Executive has identified for cross-cutting action across departmental and other organisational boundaries. This broad based approach will embrace all the key areas including treatment, enforcement, rehabilitation, prevention and education as well as the links with the Executive's wider programme of social reform. A Ministerial Group will ensure a co-ordinated approach on tackling drugs, with integrated policy and integrated policy delivery, focusing on results. Scottish Ministers are committed in principle to the concept of a drugs enforcement agency and discussions are underway with the police about what form it should take.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137115,"EventID":"S1W-00102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for implementing the Environment Protection Act 1990 in respect of contaminated land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for implementing the Environment Protection Act 1990 in respect of contaminated land.","AnswerText":"Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires the Scottish Executive to issue statutory guidance and enact secondary legislation. It also requires the Scottish Executive to consult the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and others before issuing that guidance.The Scottish Executive proposes to issue a draft of the guidance and the regulations for a wide consultation this summer, before the final drafts are put to the Scottish Parliament. This should enable it to bring the new contaminated land regime into force in Scotland by the end of 1999.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137116,"EventID":"S1W-00103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to announce if a buyer has been found for the Volvo Truck and Bus manufacturing plant in Irvine and, if so, whether it intends to name the buyer by 2 J","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to announce if a buyer has been found for the Volvo Truck and Bus manufacturing plant in Irvine and, if so, whether it intends to name the buyer by 2 July 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office and Locate in Scotland are making every effort to assist Volvo to find a buyer with a view to ensuring a continuing manufacturing presence on the Irvine site. The Scottish Executive is equally committed to securing a continuing future for the facility and the skilled workforce there. We are hopeful that these efforts to retain the maximum number of existing skilled jobs will prove successful, however it is premature to speculate on when any announcement of a buyer might be made.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137117,"EventID":"S1W-00104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine issues relating to liquor licensing laws and to amend the current laws.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine issues relating to liquor licensing laws and to amend the current laws.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to amend the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976. However, we will be giving careful consideration to whether it is necessary to review current practice and legislation on liquor licensing.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137118,"EventID":"S1W-00105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Scottish Ministers and local authorities will have to set speed limits outside schools in Scotland and what plans it has for road safety in relation to school","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Scottish Ministers and local authorities will have to set speed limits outside schools in Scotland and what plans it has for road safety in relation to school children.","AnswerText":"Most schools are situated adjacent to local roads. Local authorities have power to set speed limits outside schools (and elsewhere) on local roads. In particular, local authorities have the freedom to set 20 mph limits where they consider them to be appropriate. For other limits below 30 mph, local authorities require to obtain the consent of the Scottish Ministers. Scottish Ministers have power to set speed limits outside schools (and elsewhere) on trunk roads in Scotland. The Scottish Executive will continue to promote road safety measures aimed at road users of all ages. Specific measures in relation to school children include: - Guidance on safer routes to school projects will be issued later this year;
- A current research project is looking at road safety education in the Scottish curriculum;
- The training materials for the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme are being revised and will be issued early next year;
- Following a review of the use of the Scottish Road Safety Campaign's Workbook Diaries in primary schools, revised diaries are being distributed for the 1999-2000 session;
- The programme of road safety plays to tour Scottish schools is being expanded;
The Children's Traffic Club in Scotland, which provides road safety training free to all 3 and 4 year old children in Scotland, will continue to be funded.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137119,"EventID":"S1W-00106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to outline the differences between the proposed census in Scotland and in the rest of the U.K and to explain why there are such differences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to outline the differences between the proposed census in Scotland and in the rest of the U.K and to explain why there are such differences.","AnswerText":"The UK Government published its proposals for the 2001 Census of Population in a White Paper (Cm 4253) on 4 March 1999. Full details of the questions proposed for the different parts of the UK are contained in the White Paper, a copy of which is in the Scottish Parliament Library. The main areas where the proposed questions for Scotland differ from those in other parts of the UK are the inclusion of questions on whether rented accommodation is furnished or unfurnished, knowledge of Scottish Gaelic, and address of and means of travel to place of study; and the exclusion of a question on religion. There are also a number of topics which are proposed to be covered in all parts of the UK but where the form of the question proposed is different. The proposed questions follow extensive consultation with Census users. Differences reflect the circumstances of different parts of the UK and the priorities of Census users.Final decisions on which questions to be included in the Census in Scotland will be for the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Executive will review the proposals, taking account of comments made following the White Paper. They will then bring forward proposals in a draft Census Order for Scotland for approval by the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137120,"EventID":"S1W-00107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to limit the working hours of junior hospital doctors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to limit the working hours of junior hospital doctors.","AnswerText":"As part of the New Deal for Junior Doctors, we have agreed with the British Medical Association (BMA) a target of 56 hours per week for juniors. We have given a commitment to achieve full compliance with this 56 hour target, as a first step to reducing to 48 hours over time. We have announced joint plans with the BMA to establish an Implementation Support Group that will help Trusts' to continue to improve working conditions for junior doctors.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137121,"EventID":"S1W-00109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allay public concerns about the safety of genetically modified foods by taking steps to require such foods to be clearly labelled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allay public concerns about the safety of genetically modified foods by taking steps to require such foods to be clearly labelled.","AnswerText":"Labelling requirements for GM foods are set in European legislation. The Scottish Executive are fully committed to a comprehensive labelling regime. We fully support the UK negotiations in Europe to extend labelling requirements to cover GM additives and flavourings.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137122,"EventID":"S1W-00110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many seats there will be for visitors in the proposed Holyrood Parliament and how many there are in the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall Chamber.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many seats there will be for visitors in the proposed Holyrood Parliament and how many there are in the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall Chamber.","AnswerText":"There will be approximately 560 seats for visitors to the Holyrood Parliament building, of which 170 are in the main chamber. There are 456 seats for visitors to the Assembly Hall Debating Chamber.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137123,"EventID":"S1W-00111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what instructions, directions or advice, if any, have been given to Enric Miralles regarding the shape of the debating chamber in the proposed Holyrood Parliament building","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what instructions, directions or advice, if any, have been given to Enric Miralles regarding the shape of the debating chamber in the proposed Holyrood Parliament building.","AnswerText":"The Design Team (principal consultant Enric Miralles) have been working to the Scottish Parliament Building User Brief which states that "a horse shoe or semi- circular arrangement would appear to be the most appropriate". They receive advice from access consultants to help ensure that disabled access requirements are met. The SPCB is considering this issue in the light of the recent debate and decision on the Holyrood building, and of the informal seminars with Members, and will report back to Members in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137124,"EventID":"S1W-00112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consult the Federation of Small Businesses in connection with the impending revaluation of non-domestic rates, and the rules and principles to be ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consult the Federation of Small Businesses in connection with the impending revaluation of non-domestic rates, and the rules and principles to be applied in that revaluation.","AnswerText":"The GB-wide non-domestic rates revaluation, which is to take effect from 1 April 2000, will be carried out by the Assessors in Scotland, in liaison with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales. They are statutorily independent of Central and Local Government. Regulations will be required to effect certain elements of the revaluation and all interested parties will be consulted in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137125,"EventID":"S1W-00113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the practice in relation to advising the victim of a reported crime of the reasons no proceedings are taken, when that is the decision of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the practice in relation to advising the victim of a reported crime of the reasons no proceedings are taken, when that is the decision of the Crown.","AnswerText":"Practice and policy in relation to the disclosure and discussion of reasons by the Crown for not proceeding against an accused is a matter for the Lord Advocate. In general terms, the Crown's reasons for not proceeding are confidential and will not be divulged to any third party. There may, however, be limited circumstances where a form of restricted disclosure to certain persons is acceptable or necessary because of the circumstances of the particular case or due to the nature of the offence. In light of the incorporation into domestic law of the European Convention on Human Rights by the Scotland Act 1998, this policy has been reviewed and is to remain unchanged.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137126,"EventID":"S1W-00114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to pursue any further prosecutions in the case of Sunjit Singh Chhokar who was killed on 4 November 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to pursue any further prosecutions in the case of Sunjit Singh Chhokar who was killed on 4 November 1998.","AnswerText":"Following the trial of Ronnie Coulter, who was acquitted by a jury in March of this year of the murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar, Crown Counsel instructed that further enquiries be carried out to consider whether any other person or persons should be prosecuted for crimes committed against Mr Chhokar. The Procurator Fiscal at Hamilton has been conducting these enquiries on behalf of Crown Counsel and his report was submitted to Crown Office last week. The case is presently being considered by Crown Counsel and a decision as to any further proceedings is expected shortly.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137127,"EventID":"S1W-00115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in view of the appalling death of 3 year old Natalie Smith of Easterhouse in a window fall and the injuring of up to 250 other children in Scotland in similar ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in view of the appalling death of 3 year old Natalie Smith of Easterhouse in a window fall and the injuring of up to 250 other children in Scotland in similar accidents each year, it intends to request all Local Authorities in Scotland to commence immediate window-catch safety checks and consult with child experts on the safest type of windows.","AnswerText":"The Scottish building regulations do not require safety catches on all windows because research has indicated that more deaths would occur in fires where occupants are unable to escape than would be saved by having the types of catches presently available. The latest information on the subject, the result of Scottish Office commissioned research, was sent to all local authorities in June 1998. The British Standards institution is currently revising BS 8213 which deals with window safety and a draft for public comment was issued on 28 May 1999. The public comment period ends on 31 August 1999 and depending on the number and complexity of the comments received it is hoped that the final version of the British Standard will be published next summer. We will then consider incorporating its recommendations into the building regulations. However, most local authorities will fit child proof safety catches when parents request them.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137128,"EventID":"S1W-00116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to improve the standards of water quality in Scotland and within what timescale it intends to implement these measures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to improve the standards of water quality in Scotland and within what timescale it intends to implement these measures.","AnswerText":"Our Partnership for Scotland statement aims for steady improvements in water quality, targeting all Scotland's beaches to meet clean water standards by 2005. On environmental water, we are considering, with Scottish Environment Protection Agency, measures to tackle agricultural and industrial pollution. Over the next 3 years the Scottish water authorities will oversee investment in water and sewerage infrastructure of around £1.7bn. A substantial part of this will be aimed at waste water treatment, in particular to comply with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.The new EU Drinking Water Directive sets tight standards for drinking water the majority of which are required to be met by December 2003. Under certain circumstances the Directive allows for the derogation of standards for up to 3 years. The Scottish Executive will obtain legally binding undertakings from the Scottish water authorities to ensure that they meet the new standards by the required dates.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137129,"EventID":"S1W-00117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it intends to carry out in relation to improving standards of water quality in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it intends to carry out in relation to improving standards of water quality in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering a range of measures designed to improve environmental water quality standards. We will consult widely on proposals once our considerations are complete.A full consultation is planned for spring 2000 on draft drinking water quality regulations. New regulations transposing the latest EU Drinking Water Directive into Scottish Legislation are required by December 2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137130,"EventID":"S1W-00118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the draft bill regarding incapable adults announced as part of the legislative programme for 1999 / 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the draft bill regarding incapable adults announced as part of the legislative programme for 1999 / 2000.","AnswerText":"We intend to introduce the incapable adults bill this autumn. We shall also publish during the summer a policy statement setting out our proposals for this legislation.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137131,"EventID":"S1W-00119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the draft bills on land reform and abolition of feudal tenure announced as part of the legislative programme for 1999 / 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the draft bills on land reform and abolition of feudal tenure announced as part of the legislative programme for 1999 / 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answers I gave to Mike Watson today.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137132,"EventID":"S1W-00120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the distribution list used to circulate Scottish Office News Release 0553/99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the distribution list used to circulate Scottish Office News Release 0553/99.","AnswerText":"Scottish Office News Release 0553/99 was issued to main media outlets, and also the relevant specialist trade press list on March 8, 1999. As with all news releases, it is available on the Scottish Office website and was available on the Bulletin Board for a week after the date of issue.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137133,"EventID":"S1W-00121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the charging and sentencing policy on drinking and driving.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the charging and sentencing policy on drinking and driving.","AnswerText":"Legislation on drinking and driving is reserved to Westminster under the Scotland Act 1998. There has been a United Kingdom review of drinking and driving and the results will be published alongside a road safety strategy in the autumn.Charging is a matter for the police and for the Procurator Fiscal, who reports to the Lord Advocate. Sentencing a matter for the judiciary, who are independent.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137134,"EventID":"S1W-00122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to develop the river Clyde as part of an overall transport strategy for both commerce and pleasure, and specifically in order to alleviate congestion o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to develop the river Clyde as part of an overall transport strategy for both commerce and pleasure, and specifically in order to alleviate congestion on roads both north and south of the upper and lower Clyde.","AnswerText":"The integrated Transport White Paper and subsequent consultation documents set out the aim of reducing road use in favour of more environmentally friendly modes of transport. The River Clyde represents an excellent transport opportunity in this respect. I would encourage the relevant authorities to consider the scope for appropriate commercial and recreational developments within the context of the Government's overall policy approach.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137135,"EventID":"S1W-00123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available details of which local authorities are currently providing free school milk, including details of the extent of this provision and th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available details of which local authorities are currently providing free school milk, including details of the extent of this provision and the annual cost in each case.","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Scotland) Act, as amended, all authorities are obliged to provide free school meals, milk or other refreshments for children whose parents receive income support or other income based job seekers allowance. Information on the cost of providing free school milk in schools and the extent of the provision is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137136,"EventID":"S1W-00124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to encourage local authorities to make free milk available to primary school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to encourage local authorities to make free milk available to primary school children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not intending to do so. Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, as amended, local authorities must provide free milk, meals and other refreshments to children whose parents are entitled to income support or income based job seekers allowance. They have a discretionary power to provide the same to other children.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137137,"EventID":"S1W-00125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to ensure that Glasgow and Strathclyde retain the funding it has enjoyed through Objective 2 status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to ensure that Glasgow and Strathclyde retain the funding it has enjoyed through Objective 2 status.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for agreeing a list of areas which the UK will propose for Objective 2 designation lies with the UK Government. The Secretary of State for Scotland is liaising closely with the First Minister about Scottish areas to be included in the list which it is hoped will be submitted to the European Commission for its consideration in July. The amount of funding for Objective 2 areas in the UK has not yet been notified by the European Commission to any Member State.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137138,"EventID":"S1W-00127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that issues relating to youth will be properly covered by its Ministers and departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that issues relating to youth will be properly covered by its Ministers and departments.","AnswerText":"I will take the lead in ensuring that matters affecting young people are properly co-ordinated, taking careful account of the wide range of issues and bodies involved. A new Children and Young People Group will be created in my Department to support me in that work.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137139,"EventID":"S1W-00128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state it's attitude to the ban on handguns.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state it's attitude to the ban on handguns.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive strongly supports the legislation which has banned all large and small calibre handguns.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137140,"EventID":"S1W-00129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to meet business leaders to discuss the promotion of an enterprise agency in Scotland and whether it will consider the development of a co-operative De","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to meet business leaders to discuss the promotion of an enterprise agency in Scotland and whether it will consider the development of a co-operative Development Agency in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scotland already has two agencies with the responsibility for promoting and stimulating enterprise within their respective areas, namely Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I have already held discussions with a number of business leaders and they are generally supportive of the current structure and activities of the two agencies. Both organisations have strategies which contain clear commitments to assisting new and growing businesses, which may include co-operative ventures, and I intend to work closely with them to ensure that they deliver on our commitment to bring together the promotion of enterprise and lifelong learning.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137141,"EventID":"S1W-00130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a disability task force to develop a co-ordinated strategy to remove unnecessary barriers preventing people with a disability from enjoyin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a disability task force to develop a co-ordinated strategy to remove unnecessary barriers preventing people with a disability from enjoying an independent and fulfilled life.","AnswerText":"The Government set up a Disability Rights Task Force in 1997 to report on how to secure comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people. Their report is expected later this year. One of their early recommendations was to set up a Disability Rights Commission to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled people, promote equality of opportunity and good practice, and to advise the Government on the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The proposal is for a Commission for Great Britain with an office in Scotland. A Bill is presently before Parliament at Westminster.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137142,"EventID":"S1W-00131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the needs of people with mental incapacity, in relation to managing their own financial affairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the needs of people with mental incapacity, in relation to managing their own financial affairs.","AnswerText":"Donald Dewar announced yesterday that our legislative programme for this session will include an Incapable Adults Bill, modernising the law in relation to decision making on behalf of people with mental incapacity. The Bill will include a range of new measures for managing their financial affairs and for supervising those who take decisions on their behalf.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137143,"EventID":"S1W-00132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of revenue funding it intends to allocate to measures to reduce waiting lists in the Scottish National Health Service and what is the likely extent and nature ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of revenue funding it intends to allocate to measures to reduce waiting lists in the Scottish National Health Service and what is the likely extent and nature of one-off pilot initiatives which it intends to apply in the current year to address this issue.","AnswerText":"Annual recurring resources of £44.5 million are being made available to the NHS in Scotland specifically to tackle waiting lists and waiting times. Health Boards and NHS Trusts are currently implementing over 190 long-term projects designed to secure sustained reductions in waiting lists and waiting times. These include initiatives to improve the interface between primary and secondary care, to establish one-stop, fast-track and nurse-led clinics, and to re-design service delivery to provide better and faster treatment for patients. Many of the projects will be piloted.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137144,"EventID":"S1W-00133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to grant powers to local authorities to introduce 20mph speed limits and when it intends that these powers will come into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to grant powers to local authorities to introduce 20mph speed limits and when it intends that these powers will come into force.","AnswerText":"The United Kingdom Government have removed the statutory requirement for local authorities to obtain the Secretary of State's consent before making 20 mph speed limit orders. The new arrangements came into force on 16 June. Local Authorities now have freedom to introduce 20 mph speed limits and there is, therefore, no need for the Scottish Executive to take any further action.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137145,"EventID":"S1W-00134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures does it intend to introduce to promote tourism in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Together with my Ministerial colleagues, Alasdair Morrison and Nicol Stephen, I have had a useful preliminary meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board. We discussed some of the opportunities and challenges that face the tourism industry in the years ahead.It is my intention to ask the STB to consult widely and to prepare a new strategy for the industry by around the end of this year. This strategy will identify action that needs to be taken in the highlands and islands and elsewhere to ensure that the tourism industry throughout Scotland realises its full potential. ","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137146,"EventID":"S1W-00135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the range and number of economic performance indicators published with reference to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the range and number of economic performance indicators published with reference to Scotland.","AnswerText":"A future strategy for the development of official Scottish economic statistics was outlined in an article in The Scottish Economic Bulletin, No 56, March 1998 - The Scottish Economy: Official Statistics for the New Millennium.The official economic statistics outputs are regularly reviewed and The Scottish Office is currently engaged in an assessment of additional needs resulting from the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. ","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137147,"EventID":"S1W-00136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensatory measures it intends to take, in light of the demise of Rural Forum, to ensure that the views and concerns of individuals and organisations in rural Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensatory measures it intends to take, in light of the demise of Rural Forum, to ensure that the views and concerns of individuals and organisations in rural Scotland continue to be highlighted, and their particular interest promoted.","AnswerText":"Rural Forum offered useful support to a wide range of community and voluntary groups in Scotland. I would like to see that support continue but it is important that, if another body is established, it reflects the needs of these people. I support the suggestion of the main voluntary groups that there now needs to be a period of consultation and my officials are in close touch with those involved to see how the Government can best assist.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137148,"EventID":"S1W-00137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for reviewing the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for reviewing the criminal justice system in relation to domestic and sexual violence.","AnswerText":"We must deal effectively with domestic and sexual violence. Expert advice has already been commissioned; and we will review current arrangements when we receive it. For example, the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Violence is developing a strategy on domestic violence; the MacLean Committee is reviewing the sentencing and treatment of serious sexual and violent offenders, who may have personality disorders; and an expert panel chaired by Lady Cosgrove is looking at sex offending and supervision in the community.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137149,"EventID":"S1W-00138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to report on funding for salmon farmers facing the crisis caused by the threat of infectious salmon anaemia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to report on funding for salmon farmers facing the crisis caused by the threat of infectious salmon anaemia.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Rural Affairs and I met representatives of the salmon farming industry on 11 June. Discussion ranged over a number of issues affecting the industry but, inevitably, concentrated on the scope for assistance for those affected by ISA. We made clear that the £9 million offered by the Secretary of State on 8 February remained on the table. We expressed reservations about the industry's insurance proposal which could expose the taxpayer to uncertain liability, but we are still in discussion with the trade associations.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137150,"EventID":"S1W-00139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the recent report prepared for Glasgow City Council's Best Value review, what plans it has to review the funding of Scotland's museums and art galleries t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the recent report prepared for Glasgow City Council's Best Value review, what plans it has to review the funding of Scotland's museums and art galleries to ensure that council tax payers are not subsidising national resources.","AnswerText":"Under the provisions of the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985, the National Museums and Galleries of Scotland are funded by central government grant. Local authorities operate and fund their own museums and galleries as part of their statutory duty to ensure that there is adequate provision of facilities for their residents for recreational, sporting, cultural and social activities. We have no plans to change these funding arrangements.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137151,"EventID":"S1W-00140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give an assurance that the Westminster Parliament will not legislate on devolved matters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give an assurance that the Westminster Parliament will not legislate on devolved matters.","AnswerText":"As I indicated in my statement on 9 June, legislation about devolved subjects in Scotland will normally be enacted by the Scottish Parliament. From time to time, however, it may be appropriate for an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament to include provisions about such matters. That is the case, for example, for the Food Standards Bill. I also indicated that both the Scottish Executive and the United Kingdom Government intend that, by convention, the United Kingdom Parliament will not legislate about devolved matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137152,"EventID":"S1W-00141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give an official welcome to the Crofters Commission's continuing investigation into absentee crofting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give an official welcome to the Crofters Commission's continuing investigation into absentee crofting.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the way in which the Crofters Commission has carried out its absentee initiative and the progress achieved.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137153,"EventID":"S1W-00142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the proposed convention that the Westminster Parliament should not legislate on devolved matters, what consultation has taken place with the Scottish Mini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the proposed convention that the Westminster Parliament should not legislate on devolved matters, what consultation has taken place with the Scottish Ministers regarding the proposed amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 currently under consideration by the Westminster Parliament as part of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.","AnswerText":"There have been regular consultations with the Scottish Executive about the Immigration and Asylum Bill. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137154,"EventID":"S1W-00143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights of consultation and consent it will have under the terms of the Immigration and Asylum Bill currently being considered by the Westminster Parliament, specific","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights of consultation and consent it will have under the terms of the Immigration and Asylum Bill currently being considered by the Westminster Parliament, specifically as they relate to clauses 71 and 87 of the Bill.","AnswerText":"The Secretary of State is required, under clause 71 (clause 76 in the current version) of the Immigration and Asylum Bill, to obtain the approval of Scottish Ministers to remove the name of a designated Scottish professional body, if he considers that that designated professional body has consistently failed to provide effective regulation of its members in their provision of immigration advice or immigration services. The rights of consultation and consent of the Scottish Executive under clause 87 of the Bill (clause 92 in the current version) are under active consideration. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137155,"EventID":"S1W-00144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available details of any agreement reached during its recent meeting with the Scottish Salmon Growers Association and the Shetland Salmon Farme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available details of any agreement reached during its recent meeting with the Scottish Salmon Growers Association and the Shetland Salmon Farmers Association to discuss the Infectious Salmon Anaemia crisis currently affecting the salmon farming industry.","AnswerText":"Details of the discussions held with the two Associations on 11 June were given in the reply to Mrs Winnie Ewing (Highlands and Islands) on 17 June. (S1W.138)","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137156,"EventID":"S1W-00145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to implement the Financial Issues Advisory Group recommendations in full and, if not, to state precisely which of the recommendations it does not inten","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to implement the Financial Issues Advisory Group recommendations in full and, if not, to state precisely which of the recommendations it does not intend to implement in full.","AnswerText":"In both the Statement I made to Parliament on Thursday 24 June, and my presentation to the joint committees on Wednesday 30 June I made clear our intention to broadly accept the FIAG report. The annex to the report presented to the committees on 30 June included detailed information on each recommendation.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137157,"EventID":"S1W-00146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) to list the staff of the Executive Policy Unit, and the job titles, role and payscales of each member of staff and (b) to specify the line manager, contract length an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) to list the staff of the Executive Policy Unit, and the job titles, role and payscales of each member of staff and (b) to specify the line manager, contract length and office location of each member of staff.","AnswerText":"The staff so far appointed in the Policy Unit, with job title, line manager, contract length and office location, are as follows: Name | Job Title | Line Manager | Contract length | Brian Fitzpatrick | Head | First Minister | See Note 1 | Philip Rycroft | Deputy Head | Head of Executive Secretariat | Indefinite | Kenneth Hogg | Project Leader | Philip Rycroft | Indefinite | Joanna Young | Project Leader | Philip Rycroft | Indefinite | Duncan McLennan | Special Adviser | Brian Fitzpatrick | Seconded for initial period of 2 years | John McLaren | Special Adviser | Brian Fitzpatrick | See Note 1 | Chris Winslow | Special Adviser | Brian Fitzpatrick | See Note 1 | Jan Anderton | Executive Assistant | Philip Rycroft | Indefinite |
Note 1: These Special Adviser appointments are held until the end of the Scottish Cabinet; or when the First Minister ceases to be a member of the Scottish Cabinet; or in the event of a General Election to the Scottish Parliament on the day after Polling Day. The Policy Unit is based in St Andrew's House. All its members will be engaged in developing the strategic capacity of the Executive and working up new policies. Those who are Special Advisers in addition give political advice to Ministers.I expect to make further Special Adviser appointments in due course. I will announce shortly the arrangements which I have put in place regarding Special Advisers' pay in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137158,"EventID":"S1W-00147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many staff are employed in ministerial or junior ministerial private offices as policy advisers and related direct support staff and (b) what are the payscales in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many staff are employed in ministerial or junior ministerial private offices as policy advisers and related direct support staff and (b) what are the payscales in which each of these staff are placed.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Wilson to the answers I gave to Mr Gorrie on 24 June (S1W-4, 5 and 8). Individual salaries are not revealed in order to protect the privacy of those concerned. I will announce shortly the arrangements which I have put in place regarding Special Advisers' pay in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137159,"EventID":"S1W-00148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide hospital care facilities in the Cumbernauld & Kilsyth constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide hospital care facilities in the Cumbernauld & Kilsyth constituency.","AnswerText":"Acute hospital facilities are available at Monklands Hospital, Airdrie and at Stobhill Hospital and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. There are no plans to provide further hospital facilities in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137160,"EventID":"S1W-00149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the impact of quarrying at Croy Hill on the historic Roman sites in the area and whether these are different from any existing plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the impact of quarrying at Croy Hill on the historic Roman sites in the area and whether these are different from any existing plans.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to assess the impact of quarrying at Croy Hill. A section of the Antonine Wall here is scheduled and in the care of Historic Scotland. The existing quarrying has no direct impact on the monument. Any proposal to quarry within the scheduled area would require scheduled monument consent from Historic Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137161,"EventID":"S1W-00150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state what plans it has to upgrade the A80 road and what representations it has received from home-owners affected by previous proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state what plans it has to upgrade the A80 road and what representations it has received from home-owners affected by previous proposals.","AnswerText":"Proposals for upgrading to motorway the A80 route between Stepps and Haggs to motorway are being considered within the Strategic Road Review. My answer to Mr Tosh on 26 June provides information on progress of the Review.The Scottish Executive has received representations from one home owner.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137162,"EventID":"S1W-00151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what is the allocation of rooms on the fifth floor of Parliament Headquarters and specifically what is the name, function and job title of each person occupying each room","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what is the allocation of rooms on the fifth floor of Parliament Headquarters and specifically what is the name, function and job title of each person occupying each room","AnswerText":"The fifth floor of Parliamentary Headquarters is shared between staff of the Parliament and the Scottish Executive. Details of staff occupying rooms in the former category are given in the table below. The detailed arrangements for occupation of the rooms in the latter category is a matter for the Scottish Executive. ROOM | NAME | Function/Job Title | 5.10a | Lesley Beddie | Director of Communications | 5.14a | Diane Barr | Official Report/Publishing Administrator | 5.14a | Catherine Johnstone | Official Report/Office Manager | 5.14b | Stephen Hutchinson | Official Report/Deputy Editor | 5.14b | Henrietta Hales | Official Report/Editor | 5.14c | Meeting Room | | 5.15 | Carol McCracken | Director of clerking | 5.16 | Marion Falconer | PS to Carol McCracken | 5.16 | Yvonne Georgeson | PS to Lesley Beddie | 5.17,18 | Robert Arnott | Official Report/Reporter | 5.17,18 | Bronwyn Brady | Official Report/Reporter | 5.17,18 | Claire Hall | Official Report/Reporter | | The Parliament will be kept informed of the progress of the review of Scottish economic indicators through the Executive's external publication series, the format of which is currently under review. Wider consultation with the economic community is also proposed via a programme of increased dialogue with the external community to facilitate the flow of knowledge, together with the commissioning of policy-related economic research on selected elements of the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137164,"EventID":"S1W-00153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available information relating to the number of fixed penalties issued in respect of speeding offences in each of the last three years and to d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available information relating to the number of fixed penalties issued in respect of speeding offences in each of the last three years and to detail the local authority areas in which they were issued, the revenue received and the administrative costs incurred.","AnswerText":"We will provide such information in our annual statistical bulletin entitled "Motor Vehicle Offences in Scotland". The data on penalties will be disaggregated geographically by police force area and by particular offences such as speeding. The data on revenue will also be disaggregated geographically, but not by particular offence. The associated administrative costs are not available.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137165,"EventID":"S1W-00154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives or legislative proposals it intends to bring forward to support or promote cycling proficiency in schools, and whether it intends to provide additional r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives or legislative proposals it intends to bring forward to support or promote cycling proficiency in schools, and whether it intends to provide additional resources to do so either directly to schools or through local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Road Safety Campaign, funded by the Government, has recently reviewed the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme. In the light of this review, training materials are being revised. A new training pack will be issued early next year to all Road Safety Units in Scotland and its use promoted in schools throughout the country. As local authorities already have wide powers and duties in respect of road safety, it is not considered that additional legislation is necessary in order to support or promote cycling proficiency in schools. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, resources allocated for road safety education and publicity were increased by £1 million over the 3 years beginning 1999-2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137166,"EventID":"S1W-00155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had, or plans to have, any meetings with companies or organisations involved in the manufacture or supply of genetically modified food products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had, or plans to have, any meetings with companies or organisations involved in the manufacture or supply of genetically modified food products.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not had specific meetings with such organisations although there has been full consultations on the recent legislative changes on labelling. In due course it will, however, be important to obtain views from all Scottish interests in genetically modified food - including consumer, environmental and industry interests.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137167,"EventID":"S1W-00156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to rename or redesignate all or part of the M74 motorway as the M6 and, if so, which part.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to rename or redesignate all or part of the M74 motorway as the M6 and, if so, which part.","AnswerText":"New Community Schools is a radical initiative to modernise schools, raise attainment and promote social inclusion. We will be spending £26 million on them over the next 3 years.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137168,"EventID":"S1W-00157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to fund the cost of Scottish Ministers or junior Scottish Ministers travelling over the Skye bridge, what costs have been incurred to date, and what the es","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to fund the cost of Scottish Ministers or junior Scottish Ministers travelling over the Skye bridge, what costs have been incurred to date, and what the estimated costs for the current financial year are.","AnswerText":"Toll charges incurred by Scottish Ministers or Deputy Ministers for travel over the Skye Bridge on official business are reimbursed from budgets allocated within the Scottish Executive for travel and subsistence expenses purposes. To date no costs have been incurred by Scottish Ministers or Deputy Ministers in respect of travel over the Skye Bridge. The estimated costs for the current financial year are £103.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137169,"EventID":"S1W-00158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) to detail for each Sheriffdom the number of individuals reported over the last three years to the Procurator Fiscal's service regarding contraventions of the misuse o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) to detail for each Sheriffdom the number of individuals reported over the last three years to the Procurator Fiscal's service regarding contraventions of the misuse of drugs legislation relating to the possession of cannabis or cannabis resin; (b) to specify the number dealt with by summary complaint, fixed penalty notice or warning letter over this period and (c) to specify the guidelines for selecting which of these courses of action is to be followed.","AnswerText":"The information necessary to answer parts (a) and (b) of the question in relation to the particular drugs specified is not kept either centrally by Crown Office or by individual Procurator Fiscal's offices.In relation to part (c), I have issued guidance to Procurators Fiscal regarding the marking of cases generally as suitable for prosecution by summary complaint or alternatively as suitable for disposal by the making of a conditional offer of a fixed penalty (fiscal fine) or for disposal by means of a warning letter. The guidance issued includes specification of circumstances in which those means of disposal would be inappropriate. The guidance issued by me to Procurators Fiscal is confidential and it is not in the public interest to publish it. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137170,"EventID":"S1W-00159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether responsibility transfers to it on 1 July for (a) protection of the marine environment and wildlife from pollution resulting from oil exploitation and oil spills i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether responsibility transfers to it on 1 July for (a) protection of the marine environment and wildlife from pollution resulting from oil exploitation and oil spills in Scottish waters and (b) licensing of oil exploration in Scottish deep water areas.","AnswerText":"Within controlled waters (ie waters within the meaning of section 30A)(1) of the Control of Pollution Act 1974), responsibility for the protection of the marine environment from oil pollution rests with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which is accountable to Scottish Ministers. Elsewhere in Scottish waters that responsibility is reserved to Westminster by the Scotland Act 1998.The licensing of oil exploration in all UK waters is reserved to Westminster.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137171,"EventID":"S1W-00160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be consulted from 1 July by Her Majesty's Government prior to the licensing of oil developments in Scottish waters and, if so, whether it intends to consu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be consulted from 1 July by Her Majesty's Government prior to the licensing of oil developments in Scottish waters and, if so, whether it intends to consult the Parliament on its responses.","AnswerText":"The licensing of oil developments is a reserved matter. Nonetheless administrative arrangements are being made to ensure that the Scottish Executive is routinely kept informed of proposed rounds of licensing. If any of the proposals have a particular impact on Scotland, the Scottish Executive will have an opportunity to comment on them. It will depend on the circumstances of each case as to whether consultation with the Parliament is appropriate.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137172,"EventID":"S1W-00161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy it intends to operate towards providing official sites for travelling people in Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland, whether it intends to provide grant as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy it intends to operate towards providing official sites for travelling people in Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland, whether it intends to provide grant assistance to establish such sites, and whether it intends to provide information as to the approximate number of unofficial sites in Scotland used by travelling people.","AnswerText":"Since 1971, the Scottish Office has made grants available to enable local authorities to provide official sites for Travelling People. Councils, including Edinburgh, were advised early in 1997 that the grant scheme was being wound up, having been successful in providing over 30 local authority sites throughout Scotland. Councils had until the end of 1998 to apply for grant. Information on the number of privately owned and unauthorised sites is available from a twice-yearly count. Reference copies of "Travelling People in Scotland: Report on Seasonal Count", July 1998 and January 1999 have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137173,"EventID":"S1W-00162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the final report from the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the final report from the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"I received the final report today and am placing a copy of it in the Parliamentary library. Copies are being sent out to all local authorities in Scotland, to all Members of the Scottish Parliament, to all Community Councils and to everyone who responded to the Commission's earlier consultation documents. I hope that all members will take the time to read this well-considered and important report and recommendations which if implemented would radically reshape the face of local government in Scotland. I very much endorse the report's call to local government to start immediately on the task of democratic renewal. It is fitting that the Scottish Parliament should take the earliest opportunity to debate its relations with the other democratically elected tier of government in Scotland; and I hope that there will be an early opportunity for that. Meantime I shall urgently consider the detail of the recommendations in the report. I intend in due course to issue a paper that will set out the Scottish Ministers' full response to the report and our proposals for further action.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137174,"EventID":"S1W-00163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available information relating to the number of people detained in Scotland under immigration or asylum legislation in the last three years, th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available information relating to the number of people detained in Scotland under immigration or asylum legislation in the last three years, the establishments in which they have been detained and for how long, and whether it intends to provide additional accommodation for such people.","AnswerText":"In terms of the Scotland Act 1998, immigration and asylum are reserved matters for which the Home Secretary is responsible.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137175,"EventID":"S1W-00164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to recognise the importance of rural areas and to ensure that rural development is given a high priority over the next four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to recognise the importance of rural areas and to ensure that rural development is given a high priority over the next four years.","AnswerText":"Rural development will be one of the Executive's top priorities but real progress will only be achieved if there is an integrated approach at the highest level. Accordingly, a Ministerial Committee reporting to the Cabinet has been established with the task of furthering the economic, environmental and social development of rural Scotland. The members of the Committee are: Ross Finnie, Minister for Rural Affairs (Chairman) Sarah Boyack, Minister for Transport and the Environment Alasdair Morrison, Deputy Minister for Enterprise in the Highlands and Islands and Gaelic John Home Robertson, Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs Jackie Baillie, Deputy Minister for Communities Angus MacKay, Deputy Minister for Justice. Other Ministers will be invited to take part as necessary. My Ministerial colleagues and I are talking to a range of rural interest groups and the work plan of this Committee will be drawn up in the light of those discussions.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137176,"EventID":"S1W-00165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the estimated costs of the consultation process and investigation into its proposal to impose a toll on the M8 motorway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the estimated costs of the consultation process and investigation into its proposal to impose a toll on the M8 motorway.","AnswerText":"The issue of road user charging will be addressed in the forthcoming Transport Bill. No decision has been made on the introduction of road user charges on any trunk road or motorway. Accordingly, there is no such proposal.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137177,"EventID":"S1W-00166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the estimated annual administrative costs of operating a toll on the M8 motorway","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the estimated annual administrative costs of operating a toll on the M8 motorway","AnswerText":"refer the member to the answer I gave to his question (S1W-00165) on a related subject.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137178,"EventID":"S1W-00167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the status of New Housing Partnership bids rejected under the last round of awards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the status of New Housing Partnership bids rejected under the last round of awards.","AnswerText":"The allocation of resources for New Housing Partnerships for the period 1999-2002 was announced in February 1999. Unsuccessful bids do not qualify for New Housing Partnership status.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137179,"EventID":"S1W-00168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the relevant Minister will be willing, if requested, to visit Tillydrone to discuss with the local community their bid for assistance for local housing improvemen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the relevant Minister will be willing, if requested, to visit Tillydrone to discuss with the local community their bid for assistance for local housing improvements.","AnswerText":"New Housing Partnership resources totalling almost £2 million have been earmarked to enable Aberdeen City Council to progress City-wide proposals. Calum MacDonald met the Tillydrone tenants and the Council in March this year. The Council is now considering the future options for its housing and I await the outcome of this consideration. It may, however, be possible to meet the Tillydrone local community during a visit to Aberdeen that I have agreed with Lewis MacDonald, MSP or Aberdeen Central.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137180,"EventID":"S1W-00169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, after 1 July, it will provide information regarding the process for consideration of the bid lodged by Aberdeen City Council on behalf of the Tillydrone communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, after 1 July, it will provide information regarding the process for consideration of the bid lodged by Aberdeen City Council on behalf of the Tillydrone community for cash aid towards housing improvements under the New Housing Partnership initiative.","AnswerText":"The allocation of resources for New Housing Partnerships for the period 1999-2002 was announced in February 1999. Aberdeen City Council's bid for the regeneration of the Tillydrone Estate was unsuccessful. There are no plans to invite further bids at present","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137181,"EventID":"S1W-00170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider re-classifying the A801 as a trunk road, given its strategic importance to the economy of West Lothian, the Falkirk area, and the Central B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider re-classifying the A801 as a trunk road, given its strategic importance to the economy of West Lothian, the Falkirk area, and the Central Belt of Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to extend the trunk road network. The severe pressures on the trunk road budget would mean, in any event, that trunking would be an empty gesture.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137182,"EventID":"S1W-00171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the level of home ownership in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the level of home ownership in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A very large proportion of Scottish households aspire to home ownership, and we are keen to support them in realising this ambition whenever the financial circumstances of the household make this a sensible option. We will take account of responses to the Green Paper when determining how to take that forward.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137183,"EventID":"S1W-00172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a forum for dialogue with the film and television industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a forum for dialogue with the film and television industry.","AnswerText":"Scottish Screen already fulfils this role.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137184,"EventID":"S1W-00173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the role in the economy of Scotland's film and television industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the role in the economy of Scotland's film and television industry.","AnswerText":"Enhancing the economic role of the creative industries will be an objective of the national cultural strategy.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137185,"EventID":"S1W-00174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive within what timescale and under what procedure it intends to consider the City of Glasgow Council's proposals for stock transfer under the New Housing Partnership initiat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive within what timescale and under what procedure it intends to consider the City of Glasgow Council's proposals for stock transfer under the New Housing Partnership initiative.","AnswerText":"The Council has undertaken a feasibility study of the potential for whole stock transfer and has now submitted a bid for funding to develop a transfer proposal. This is currently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137186,"EventID":"S1W-00175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial and administrative criteria it intends to use in assessing the viability of proposals submitted by local authorities under the New Housing Partnership ini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial and administrative criteria it intends to use in assessing the viability of proposals submitted by local authorities under the New Housing Partnership initiative.","AnswerText":"The criteria used to assess proposals submitted by local authorities under the New Housing Partnerships initiative were set out in the Scottish Office Development Department letter of 24 August 1998. A reference copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137187,"EventID":"S1W-00176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to enable greater Glasgow Health Board to modernise or replace its hospital buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to enable greater Glasgow Health Board to modernise or replace its hospital buildings.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow Health Board's recently finalised Health Improvement Programme (HIP) for the 5-year period from April 1999-2004 sets out the challenges facing the provision of services and details specific service proposals that are being considered to meet identified needs. The Health Board does not believe the existing disposition of adult acute services and emergency care throughout Glasgow is a sustainable basis for the future and the HIP sets out a range of service changes to modernise and strengthen emergency services that it will be seeking to discuss with various parties. To date, no decisions have been taken. The Health Board intends to invite comments on its proposals in due course.A number of improvements are in train to replace and modernise Glasgow hospitals. A major £52m publicly funded re-development of Glasgow Royal Infirmary began in February this year. The project includes better, modern maternity services for mothers and their babies in Glasgow with the full range of clinical support facilities on site, an enhanced plastic surgery and burns facilities and services, and an enhanced emergency receiving service. Approval was given in March this year for an £8.3m publicly funded project to develop a head and neck surgery (including oral and maxillo facial surgery) and cancer service for south Glasgow. The Government has agreed to establish Scotland's first "walk-in, walk-out" treatment centre in Glasgow to pilot fast, one-day diagnosis and treatment for a range of conditions. These developments are representative of the Executive's commitment to provide modern co-ordinated and quality care for patients.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137188,"EventID":"S1W-00177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to make a decision as to the location of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to make a decision as to the location of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.","AnswerText":"No decision has yet been taken on the location of the Scottish arm of the Food Standards Agency. This matter will be considered and an announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137189,"EventID":"S1W-00178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to address public concern over the potential health risks in relation to mobile telephone telecommunication masts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to address public concern over the potential health risks in relation to mobile telephone telecommunication masts.","AnswerText":"I am aware of current concerns about possible risks to health from mobile telephone telecommunication masts and the Executive will shortly be writing to all Members of the Scottish Parliament setting out in detail our position on this issue. Meanwhile, advice from the National Radiological Protection Board, which advises the Executive on matters of this kind, indicates that the field strengths of signals from mobile telephone masts at places to which the public have access are below recommended guideline levels and should present no health risk. The Board's advice is based on its own research and on assessments, by its Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation, of biological and epidemiological work world-wide. As a further measure, the Board have also been asked to set up an independent expert group to assess the current state of research into any health risks associated with the use of mobile phones and telephone communication masts. The group will be chaired by Sir William Stewart FRS FRSE and its detailed membership and terms of reference will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137190,"EventID":"S1W-00179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it envisages the Food Standards Agency being operational in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it envisages the Food Standards Agency being operational in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Subject to the successful passage of the Food Standards Bill, it is expected that the Agency will become operational UK-wide by mid-2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137191,"EventID":"S1W-00180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to detail with whom it intends to consult prior to making decisions regarding the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to detail with whom it intends to consult prior to making decisions regarding the Food Standards Agency in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The proposals for the Food Standards Agency, including those for Scotland, have been subject to thorough consultation at the White Paper and draft Bill stages and during pre-legislative scrutiny. The Scottish Executive has also consulted MSPs by means of a formal debate in the Scottish Parliament asking for approval to the policy of a UK-wide agency and for legislation to be taken forward in the UK Parliament. Approval was confirmed.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137192,"EventID":"S1W-00181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether or not it intends to introduce any system of proportional representation voting for local government elections in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether or not it intends to introduce any system of proportional representation voting for local government elections in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As I announced on 2 July, this is to be considered as part of a wider package of measures to revitalise local government. A cross-party working group will be established to look at electoral systems for local government, widening the range of citizens interested in becoming councillors, the appropriate number of members for each council and to consider councillor remuneration.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137193,"EventID":"S1W-00182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans a review of the Crofters Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans a review of the Crofters Commission.","AnswerText":"The five yearly review of the Crofters Commission falls due during 1999 and will start in July. The terms of reference for the first stage of the review will be: \"To carry out a study of the Crofters Commission's status and of the relevance of its functions (Prior Options Study) in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance and having regard to the needs of crofting and rural communities in the Highlands and Islands and to any views on the future of NDPBs, and the various potential alternatives to these, which may be expressed by the new Scottish Executive.\" As an essential part of the review process, officials will be consulting widely with interested parties.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137194,"EventID":"S1W-00183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive if it intends to give consideration to the current absence of a Right of Appeal to an unsuccessful objector against a planning application in which planning permission ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive if it intends to give consideration to the current absence of a Right of Appeal to an unsuccessful objector against a planning application in which planning permission has been granted by the planning authority.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present for the Scottish Executive to consider introducing a third party right of appeal into the planning system.It is, of course, open to the new Scottish Executive or Parliament to consider the issue afresh.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137195,"EventID":"S1W-00184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to extend the list of communities it will visit in its fact finding mission on poverty and deprivation, as announced by Ms Wendy Alexander in Scottish ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to extend the list of communities it will visit in its fact finding mission on poverty and deprivation, as announced by Ms Wendy Alexander in Scottish Office press release 1094/99.","AnswerText":"Our fact-finding mission will not be restricted to those areas listed in Press Release 1094/99. We recognise that poverty and deprivation exist across Scotland, and we will tackle them wherever they occur.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137196,"EventID":"S1W-00185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider ensuring that an ambulance service is based in Kinross on a twenty-four hour cover basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider ensuring that an ambulance service is based in Kinross on a twenty-four hour cover basis.","AnswerText":"It is for the Scottish Ambulance Service and Tayside Health Board to determine the level and configuration of emergency ambulance service provision across the Tayside Health Board area. This is being looked at as part of a wider review of Acute Services that is being carried out by the Health Board in consultation with the Scottish Ambulance Service, local hospitals, general practitioners, the health council and service users.The Scottish Executive expects Health Boards to apply the principles of the national Acute Services Review report when planning services for people in rural areas by balancing local access with the provision and maintenance of viable services of appropriate quality.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137197,"EventID":"S1W-00186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will, after 1 July, detail the total finance it is making available, directly or indirectly, to the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit Scheme (CERT), all past, cu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will, after 1 July, detail the total finance it is making available, directly or indirectly, to the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit Scheme (CERT), all past, current and projected future expenditure on the scheme on an annual basis, and the timetable for the approval, implementation, construction and completion of the scheme.","AnswerText":"£15 million additional capital allocations are being made available from the previous Transport Challenge Fund competition for projects commencing in 1997-98 to assist The City of Edinburgh Council with their CERT scheme. The current phasing of the award is 1997-98 - £4.0 million, 1998-99 - £6.0 million, 1999-2000 - £3.750 million and 2000-01 - £1.250 million. The Council is also seeking private finance for the project which is estimated to cost approximately £49 million. The project is the responsibility of the Council and the implementation programme is a matter for them. I understand the project is expected to be completed in late autumn 2001.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137198,"EventID":"S1W-00187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding or resources it intends to make available to East Lothian Council's education department to improve education and safety for pupils and staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding or resources it intends to make available to East Lothian Council's education department to improve education and safety for pupils and staff.","AnswerText":"East Lothian Council has substantial resources available to it for education. These include funds, targeted through the Excellence Fund, for the improvement of standards, and under the specific grant for the improvement of school security.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137199,"EventID":"S1W-00188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to carry out any investigation into the current management and operation of East Lothian Council's education department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to carry out any investigation into the current management and operation of East Lothian Council's education department.","AnswerText":"We have no such intention. The published draft of the Improvement of Education Bill makes provision for the inspection of local authority education functions and a programme of inspections of local authorities will take place over a 5 year period.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137200,"EventID":"S1W-00189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to confirm what measures it plans to take to tackle damp housing in Scotland and in particular in Glasgow Springburn.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to confirm what measures it plans to take to tackle damp housing in Scotland and in particular in Glasgow Springburn.","AnswerText":"The Healthy Homes Initiative aims to tackle damp housing in Scotland. In particular, we have introduced the new Warm Deal from 1 July, under which low income households will benefit from a £500 grant for a package of works to improve home energy efficiency which in turn will reduce condensation damp. The £12 million budget will ensure that each year 24,000 households, in Springburn and across Scotland, will have lower fuel bills or more warmth at the same cost.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137201,"EventID":"S1W-00190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it intends to take to end discrimination against single people in respect of the services delivered within its own areas of responsibility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it intends to take to end discrimination against single people in respect of the services delivered within its own areas of responsibility.","AnswerText":"We are committed to mainstreaming of equality into all aspects of Scottish Executive policy and service delivery. This means that all policies will be examined for any differential impact on different groups within society. This could include people of different marital status. Where there is an unjustifiable differential impact, action will be taken.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137202,"EventID":"S1W-00191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the status of its evaluation of the proposed new Glasgow South orbital road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the status of its evaluation of the proposed new Glasgow South orbital road.","AnswerText":"As the proposed Glasgow Southern Orbital road (GSO) needs a safe and reliable link with the existing A77 trunk road, or with any upgraded M77/A77 which might replace it, implementation of the GSO proposals is linked to decisions on the A77. A proposed upgrading to motorway of the A77 is one of the major road improvement schemes included in the Strategic Roads Review. As I indicated on 24 June, we expect to report to Parliament on the Review after the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137203,"EventID":"S1W-00192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish an updated forecast of population trends in Scotland over the next thirty years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish an updated forecast of population trends in Scotland over the next thirty years.","AnswerText":"The Registrar General intends to publish later this year 1998-based population projections for Scotland, by age and sex for the period in question. Sub-national projections, consistent with these national projections, for Scotland's administrative areas are planned for publication early in 2000.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137204,"EventID":"S1W-00193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether provision will be made for the inclusion of Gaelic, in a meaningful and not token way, in the opening ceremonies and events of 30 June and 1 July.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether provision will be made for the inclusion of Gaelic, in a meaningful and not token way, in the opening ceremonies and events of 30 June and 1 July.","AnswerText":"It is appropriate that that there should be a gaelic element in the opening ceremony. That is why the Inverness Gaelic choir have been asked to sing in the courtyard of the Assembly Hall to welcome MSPs and The Queen to the ceremony in the Chamber.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137205,"EventID":"S1W-00194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to undertake a study into the impact on road traffic on the A77 and B764 roads of the proposed extraction of timber from Whitelee Forest near Fenwick i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to undertake a study into the impact on road traffic on the A77 and B764 roads of the proposed extraction of timber from Whitelee Forest near Fenwick in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to undertake such a study. However, the Forestry Commission is looking at possible alternative routes for lorries taking timber from Whitelee Forest, starting next year. The Commission is carefully considering all aspects, including the impact of timber traffic on existing roads and its effect on any communities alongside the roads, and it is also discussing the options with the local authority.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137206,"EventID":"S1W-00195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of any representations it receives in respect of the role of the voluntary sector in tackling social exclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of any representations it receives in respect of the role of the voluntary sector in tackling social exclusion.","AnswerText":"We intend to make available copies of representations received, in response to formal consultations on tackling social exclusion, provided the authors have no objections. These will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137207,"EventID":"S1W-00196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek representation on the UK, Oil and Gas Industry Task Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek representation on the UK, Oil and Gas Industry Task Force.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is represented on the Task Force.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137208,"EventID":"S1W-00197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive if it intends to review the scope and availability of concessionary travel for elderly and retired people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive if it intends to review the scope and availability of concessionary travel for elderly and retired people.","AnswerText":"At present, under the existing legislation - section 93 of the Transport Act 1985 - decisions on the extent and administration of concessionary travel schemes for certain categories of person, including pensioners, are solely for local authorities taking account of local needs and circumstances. However, as stated in Partnership for Scotland: An Agreement for the First Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Executive will encourage the improvement and integration of concessionary fare schemes on public transport for pensioners and those with special needs.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137209,"EventID":"S1W-00198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what budgetary provision has been made to allow the 73 partner libraries to provide open access to the official publications of the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what budgetary provision has been made to allow the 73 partner libraries to provide open access to the official publications of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Arrangements are being made to supply all partner libraries with printed copies of the Parliament's publications. Costs will be borne by the Information Centre's budget.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137210,"EventID":"S1W-00199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the monetary limit of #750 applying to small claims actions in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the monetary limit of #750 applying to small claims actions in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate last year issued a Consultation Paper in relation to the jurisdiction limits in summary cause and small claim actions in the sheriff court. As a result of the consultation exercise I am currently considering advice proposing variations to the jurisdiction limits in these actions. An announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137211,"EventID":"S1W-00200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce measures to reduce the amount of police time spent waiting to appear as witnesses in criminal trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce measures to reduce the amount of police time spent waiting to appear as witnesses in criminal trials.","AnswerText":"The research report "From Citation to Witness Stand: A Study of Police Witness Duty at Court" published last September revealed that since 1991, through the introduction of mandatory intermediate diets and other measures, there has been a 40% reduction in the number of police officers having to be available for court on any given day. We will continue our efforts to improve the way in which witnesses, whether police officers or others, are dealt with by the criminal justice system.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137212,"EventID":"S1W-00201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase staffing levels of the Procurator Fiscal service in order to reduce the amount of time spent by police officers waiting to appear as witnes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase staffing levels of the Procurator Fiscal service in order to reduce the amount of time spent by police officers waiting to appear as witnesses in criminal trials.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to increase staffing levels of the Procurator Fiscal Service specifically for this purpose. Scottish Office commissioned research published in August 1998 has shown a substantial reduction in the amount of time spent by police officers in court. The research also recognised that a significant contribution to this reduction was due to the efforts made by members of the Procurator Fiscal Service to implement the legislative changes introduced by the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. Other practical and innovative measures such as 'on-call' services were introduced, following consultation in order to make more efficient use of police witness waiting time. Over the last 3 years there has been a steady increase in the number of legal staff employed by the Procurator Fiscal Service. In addition as a result of a recent recruitment drive 22 further legal appointments have been made.As with other witnesses cited to attend court, Procurators Fiscal continue to make every effort to ensure that evidence is agreed where possible and that attendance at court is restricted to those whose evidence is essential.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137213,"EventID":"S1W-00202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to appoint permanent Sheriffs in order to reduce the amount of time spent by police officers waiting to appear as witnesses in Scottish criminal trials","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to appoint permanent Sheriffs in order to reduce the amount of time spent by police officers waiting to appear as witnesses in Scottish criminal trials.","AnswerText":"Very significant reductions in police waiting time at Court have been achieved through the introduction of first and mandatory intermediate diets. There is nevertheless a continuing need to improve procedures to ensure that waiting time for all witnesses, including police officers, is kept to a minimum. Availability of Shrieval resources is not the most critical issue here, but I intend to keep the matter under review.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137214,"EventID":"S1W-00203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to initiate a feasibility study before making a decision regarding the preferred road route for the transport of felled timber from Whitelee Forrest in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to initiate a feasibility study before making a decision regarding the preferred road route for the transport of felled timber from Whitelee Forrest in East Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer S1W-00194, given to Alex Neil today.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137215,"EventID":"S1W-00204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to appoint a Gaelic Officer to promote the development of the Gaelic language and to be responsible for liaison with interested organisations and co-or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to appoint a Gaelic Officer to promote the development of the Gaelic language and to be responsible for liaison with interested organisations and co-ordination of Gaelic issues within the Scottish Administration.","AnswerText":"Within the Scottish Executive, responsibility for liaison with organisations with an interest in Gaelic and the co-ordination of Gaelic issues generally is already assigned to officials in the Arts and Cultural Heritage Division of the Education Department.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137216,"EventID":"S1W-00205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on its role in the New Deal for Communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on its role in the New Deal for Communities.","AnswerText":"In Scotland a different but no less innovative approach to community regeneration has been adopted to that being pursued in England. Our approach reflects particular Scottish needs and circumstances. It is guided by the principle, which has been established in Scotland for a number of years, that regeneration is best achieved through broadly based partnerships in which the local community plays a full role. Resources dedicated to regenerating communities in Scotland over this and the next two years include: - £137 million for 47 Social Inclusion Partnerships to tackle disadvantage and exclusion in deprived communities and amongst excluded groups.
£10 million for the Working for Communities programme, providing additional support for new ways of giving local people more influence over the delivery of local services;£3 million for the Listening to Communities programme, sharing best practice on involving the community in regeneration and providing training to support community participation.£26 million for New Community Schools, which is a radical initiative in Scotland to modernise schools, raise attainment and promote social inclusion, the focus of which is on the pupil and his or her family - addressing needs in the round.This investment should be seen in the context of our wider commitment that tackling social exclusion will be a priority of all Ministers in the Scottish Executive. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137217,"EventID":"S1W-00206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an estimate of the financial contribution the West Highland Way makes to the Scottish economy each year and the cost of necessary repairs to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an estimate of the financial contribution the West Highland Way makes to the Scottish economy each year and the cost of necessary repairs to it.","AnswerText":"The West Highland Way is estimated to generate some £3.5m per annum for the local economy and support some 168 jobs. The managing authorities of the Way agreed in 1998 a 3 year improvement package to carry out necessary repairs totalling some £527,554.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137218,"EventID":"S1W-00207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to implement the recommendations of paragraph 81 on page 172 of the Consultative Steering Group Report","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to implement the recommendations of paragraph 81 on page 172 of the Consultative Steering Group Report","AnswerText":"An introductory seminar was run for MSPs on Friday 21 May on the subject of Finance. Speakers from The Scottish Office and the Parliament presented an outline of the financial process as it is currently envisaged. Handouts of the presentation were provided on the day and, subsequently, to other members on request. Copies are also available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre along with copies of the briefing prepared by The Scottish Office for incoming Ministers. A variety of briefing material is also being produced by the Scottish Parliament Clerking Directorate for the Finance Committee. Much of this may well be applicable more widely across members and will be made available. Further training on the Parliament's financial affairs will be developed once the Finance Bill, which will set out all the procedures and timetables governing financial aspects, has been agreed by the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137219,"EventID":"S1W-00208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to grant the Scottish Legal Aid Board competence to make interest payments on overdue accounts under the Scottish Legal Aid schemes and whether it inte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to grant the Scottish Legal Aid Board competence to make interest payments on overdue accounts under the Scottish Legal Aid schemes and whether it intends to authorise ex gratia payments where legal aid or advice and assistance accounts are not settled within 30 days.","AnswerText":"I do not intend to require the Board to pay interest on accounts or to make ex-gratia payments. The Board is making good progress in dealing with outstanding cases and there is no need for such arrangements which would add to complexity and delay.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137220,"EventID":"S1W-00209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to request the Raptor Working Group to consider proposing measures to protect racing pigeons. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to request the Raptor Working Group to consider proposing measures to protect racing pigeons. ","AnswerText":"The Interaction between birds of prey and pigeons is already one of the issues which the Raptor Working Group is considering.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137221,"EventID":"S1W-00210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide a list of the members of the Scottish Valuation and Rating Council, and whether it intends to appoint a representative from the Federation o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide a list of the members of the Scottish Valuation and Rating Council, and whether it intends to appoint a representative from the Federation of Small Businesses, the Forum of Private Business, and the Chambers of Commerce to the Committee.","AnswerText":"Appointments to the Scottish Valuation and Rating Council are made on a personal, not a representative basis. The current members are :- Professor Gordon S Milne, Chairman Bill Anderson Michael Barclay Duncan Chisholm Ian Coull John Devine Christopher Haddow QC Geoffrey Johnston Professor Douglas Mair Bill Neish Peter Paisley Thomas Scholes Albert Tait","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137222,"EventID":"S1W-00211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the A95.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the A95.","AnswerText":"Since trunking the road in 1996, improvements to a total value of £3.24m have been completed at Dulnain and Craggan. There are no current plans to undertake further improvements on the A95.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137223,"EventID":"S1W-00212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the remaining single track sections of the A830 Fort William to Mallaig Road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the remaining single track sections of the A830 Fort William to Mallaig Road.","AnswerText":"Plans for the section of road between Arisaig and Kinsadel are being considered within the Strategic Roads Review. My answer to Mr Tosh on 24 June provides the information on progress of the Review. We have no plans to upgrade the section of road between Loch Nan Uamh to Arisaig.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137224,"EventID":"S1W-00213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to place a toll booth on any single track road, and if it does, whether it will be able to ensure that this will not breach health and safety standard","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to place a toll booth on any single track road, and if it does, whether it will be able to ensure that this will not breach health and safety standards or road traffic regulations.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer I gave to question (S1W-00218).","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137225,"EventID":"S1W-00214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce road tolls for the Fort William to Mallaig road, and if so, at what point or points would the toll booth or booths be placed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce road tolls for the Fort William to Mallaig road, and if so, at what point or points would the toll booth or booths be placed. ","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer I gave to question (S1W-00218).","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137226,"EventID":"S1W-00215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the A82, particularly the section between Tarbet and Inverarnan, and whether any upgrading would be affected by the proposed designation of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the A82, particularly the section between Tarbet and Inverarnan, and whether any upgrading would be affected by the proposed designation of the area as part of the Lomond and Trossachs National Park. ","AnswerText":"There are no proposals to upgrade the A82 between Tarbet and Inverness.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137227,"EventID":"S1W-00216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the law relating to sequestration in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the law relating to sequestration in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Consultation papers were issued by The Scottish Office in July 1997 and September 1998 on problems which had arisen with the application of the insolvency procedures under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985. We are considering the need for legislation in the light of the consultation responses.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137228,"EventID":"S1W-00217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an estimate of the proposed annual expenditure on the Lomond & Trossachs National Park, whether it will state from what source this annual expendi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an estimate of the proposed annual expenditure on the Lomond & Trossachs National Park, whether it will state from what source this annual expenditure will be funded and whether it proposes that any part of the expenditure will be met from road tolls and, if so, whether residents within the proposed National Park will require to pay these tolls.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage's published advice to Government includes the estimate that total core operating costs for a National park in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, once up and running, would be £2.4m per year. New and existing programme costs were estimated at £2.5-£3.0m per year. Funding arrangements will be settled as we draft the National Parks Bill. I refer the member to the answer I gave to question (S1W-00218) on road user charging.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137229,"EventID":"S1W-00218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends that the proposed policy of road tolls will apply to motorways, trunk routes and any other roads, and if so, whether the proposed tolls will apply to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends that the proposed policy of road tolls will apply to motorways, trunk routes and any other roads, and if so, whether the proposed tolls will apply to all roads within each category.","AnswerText":"No decision has been made on the introduction of road user charges on any trunk road or motorway, the roads for which the Scottish Executive is responsible. If any such proposals are developed in the future, they will be the subject of full consultation. In terms of other roads, the proposed Transport Bill will legislate to allow local authorities to introduce road user charging on roads for which they are responsible. The coverage of any such schemes will, therefore, primarily be a matter for individual authorities but all schemes will require the approval of Scottish Ministers.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137230,"EventID":"S1W-00219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make an assessment of the impact on the Scottish economy of the proposed Climate Change Levy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make an assessment of the impact on the Scottish economy of the proposed Climate Change Levy.","AnswerText":"I am aware that concerns have been expressed about the impact of the proposed Climate Change Levy on particular areas and industries. I do intend to keep the matter under close review.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137231,"EventID":"S1W-00220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether following the death of athlete Ross Baillie of anaphylactic shock through nut allergy, it intends to incorporate into Food Safety legislation a legal requirement ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether following the death of athlete Ross Baillie of anaphylactic shock through nut allergy, it intends to incorporate into Food Safety legislation a legal requirement to label all restaurant food to disclose nut or nut oil contents.","AnswerText":"Food labelling legislation is agreed at EC level and prescribed by Council Directive 79/112/EEC. The Directive is implemented in Great Britain by the Food Labelling Regulations 1996. Catering establishments are exempt from most of the general food labelling requirements.Discussions are ongoing at EU level to amend the Directive to require labelling of those ingredients which are known to affect allergy sufferers. In addition to food containing nut or nut oil contents it is also important to identify other specific ingredients (eggs, milk, fish, cereals containing gluten and their products) which are also recognised as causing hypersensitivity to allergy sufferers. This is a devolved matter and the Scottish Parliament has powers to legislate in this area - within the parameters laid down in EU legislation. Legislation on this issue will be considered following the outcome of EU discussions. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137232,"EventID":"S1W-00221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to facilitate greater use of public transport by people who suffer from visual impairment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to facilitate greater use of public transport by people who suffer from visual impairment.","AnswerText":"We are working with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and transport operators to devise a scheme which will provide blind people with free concessionary travel on bus and rail services throughout Scotland. I am hopeful that such a scheme can be introduced on 1 December this year. The Scottish Executive also encourages local authorities to take into account, in developing future plans for roads and transport infrastructure, the guidelines issued to councils in January this year titled 'Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces'.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137233,"EventID":"S1W-00222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parliamentary services will be provided by the special advisers employed by the Executive and to whom will the services be provided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parliamentary services will be provided by the special advisers employed by the Executive and to whom will the services be provided.","AnswerText":"Special Advisers are appointed to provide the Executive with specialist and political advice and assistance complementing that of the civil service rather than parliamentary services, which are essentially a matter for the research assistants and the staff of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137234,"EventID":"S1W-00223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give a commitment that when it provides a holding reply to a written question within 14 days of it being lodged, the reason for this will be provide","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give a commitment that when it provides a holding reply to a written question within 14 days of it being lodged, the reason for this will be provided together with a timescale for reply.","AnswerText":"No, but on each occasion every effort will be made to provide the requested information as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137235,"EventID":"S1W-00224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the percentage of businesses in Scotland which have participated in the New Deal for young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the percentage of businesses in Scotland which have participated in the New Deal for young people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my answer to question S1W-00303 also answered today.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137236,"EventID":"S1W-00225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allow legally enforceable 20 mph speed limits near play areas, community facilities and housing schemes to be determined by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allow legally enforceable 20 mph speed limits near play areas, community facilities and housing schemes to be determined by local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Gibson to my reply of 17 June to Mrs Margaret Smith.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137237,"EventID":"S1W-00226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends giving local authorities the power to appoint wardens to enforce speeding limits and collect fines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends giving local authorities the power to appoint wardens to enforce speeding limits and collect fines.","AnswerText":"We believe that enforcement of speed limits, including the collection of fines, should remain the responsibility of the police. We do not believe that it would be appropriate to separate speeding offences from the criminal law more widely.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137238,"EventID":"S1W-00227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring within the planning control of local authorities the erection of telecommunication masts not exceeding 15 metres in height.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring within the planning control of local authorities the erection of telecommunication masts not exceeding 15 metres in height.","AnswerText":"The erection of telecommunications masts require planning permission except where they qualify for permitted development rights under Class 67 of the Town and Country Planning) (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992. In December 1998, the then Scottish Office Planning Minister, Calum MacDonald MP, announced a number of measures on telecommunications, which included increasing the degree of control over telecommunications development permitted by the aforementioned Order. Those measures included: - prior approval procedures for the siting and appearance of telecommunications masts;
- increased controls over telecommunications development in Sites of Special Scientific Interest;
- clarification that planning permission is required to extend the height of an existing mast beyond 15 metres;
- good practice guidance for operators and planning authorities; and
- advice on the use of planning agreements to encourage mast sharing.
The Scottish Executive hopes to bring forward legislation implementing these proposals in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137239,"EventID":"S1W-00228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what methods have been used to advise partner libraries of their involvement in the partner library scheme which was detailed to members by the Scottish Parliamentary Libr","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what methods have been used to advise partner libraries of their involvement in the partner library scheme which was detailed to members by the Scottish Parliamentary Library Liaison Officer (by a letter in June 1999).","AnswerText":"The heads of the public library service in each local authority were consulted in November 1998, before the scheme was introduced. They then nominated their preferred library to participate in the scheme. All Partner Libraries were then visited by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre's Library Liaison Officer over the period November 1998-March 1999. The Library Liaison Officer addressed the Heads of (Public Libraries) Service meeting at the Scottish Library Association's annual conference in May 1999, announcing that the Partner Library network was complete and explaining its aims and objectives. All Partner Libraries have received an information pack containing information about the Parliament and details of who to contact for further information. In addition, all Partner Libraries currently receive a printed copy of 'WHISP' (What's Happening in the Scottish Parliament). A range of publicity materials for each Partner Library is in preparation.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137240,"EventID":"S1W-00229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it intends to make to lay the Annual Report of BBC Scotland before the Parliament for consideration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it intends to make to lay the Annual Report of BBC Scotland before the Parliament for consideration.","AnswerText":"Copies of the Annual Report will be made available to Members in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137241,"EventID":"S1W-00230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what are the components of the reduction from #3,125 to #2,696 in the construction cost per square metre of floor area of the new Parliament building.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what are the components of the reduction from #3,125 to #2,696 in the construction cost per square metre of floor area of the new Parliament building.","AnswerText":"The majority of additional space required in the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood is 'circulation' space. The unit cost per square metre for that type of space is lower than the unit costs per square metre for other areas of the building. The average for the whole building is therefore reduced.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137242,"EventID":"S1W-00231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there has been any reduction in the number of people that the new parliament will accommodate on a permanent basis from that initially intended.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there has been any reduction in the number of people that the new parliament will accommodate on a permanent basis from that initially intended.","AnswerText":"The number of staff to be accommodated in the new Parliament building at Holyrood has increased from original estimates, this is one of the reasons for the increased construction cost estimate from £50 million to £62 million (excluding fees and VAT).","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137243,"EventID":"S1W-00232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will list the numbers and categories of staff to be accommodated in the new parliament building under the #50 million cost plan and the revised #62 million cost","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will list the numbers and categories of staff to be accommodated in the new parliament building under the #50 million cost plan and the revised #62 million cost plan.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table. Staff/Worker Category(1) | Original Brief (£50m)(2) | Revised Brief (£62m)(2) | MSPs + MSPs' researcher/secretary(3) | 258 | 258 | Clerks, Administrative staff, Executive staff assigned to Ministers(4) | 153 | 260 | Facilities and Security(5) Management and contracted service providers | 302 | 290 |
(1) Staffing estimates for facilities management and security based on anticipated requirements (November 1998) at Holyrood. Clerks and other administrative staff as estimated at March 1999.(2) Excludes VAT, fees, contingencies, etc.(3) Allows one space per MSP for researcher/secretary.(4) Includes parliamentary clerks and administrative staff (excluding facilities and security management) and Executive staff assigned to Ministers who will use the building as necessary.(5) Includes parliamentary facilities and security management and possible contracted service providers eg mailroom, catering and day cleaners. Includes part-time staff.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137244,"EventID":"S1W-00233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what is the total value of provisional sums, contingencies and daywork allowances provided for within the contracts awarded for the Holyrood project.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what is the total value of provisional sums, contingencies and daywork allowances provided for within the contracts awarded for the Holyrood project.","AnswerText":"A figure for contingency, which includes daywork allowance, is built into the total building cost estimate of £109 million and is commercially confidential. Individual works packages are each allocated a budget to cover all of the costs associated with the package, including provisional sums. These cannot be separately identified until 'invitations to tender' are issued for each works package. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137245,"EventID":"S1W-00234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what savings have been made in order to provide additional accommodation for staff in the new Parliament building at no additional cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what savings have been made in order to provide additional accommodation for staff in the new Parliament building at no additional cost.","AnswerText":"The Parliament voted on 17 June to continue the Holyrood Project with an increased construction cost estimate of £62 million. This meant that no savings would have to be made by a lowering of the standard of materials to be used or otherwise, and that accommodation for the additional staff previously identified could be provided.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137246,"EventID":"S1W-00235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any of the contracts awarded for the Holyrood Project impose obligations upon the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to pay compensation for loss of work and br","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any of the contracts awarded for the Holyrood Project impose obligations upon the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to pay compensation for loss of work and breach of faith, and what advice did the SPCB take in relation to any court action in relation to loss of work or breach of faith being successful, in the event of the project being abandoned.","AnswerText":"The contract conditions, which are standard to the construction industry, do not impose specific obligations to pay compensation for loss of work or breach of faith. Professional appointments and other contractors could however raise court actions for breach of contract which might include claims for damages related to loss of work and any other consequential losses. Legal advice was taken on the potential for such claims and related architectural and construction industry practices. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137247,"EventID":"S1W-00236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission estimates of the cost to the NHS of road accidents on the A77 and other trunk routes which are included in the review of Scotland's Strate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission estimates of the cost to the NHS of road accidents on the A77 and other trunk routes which are included in the review of Scotland's Strategic Roads, and if so, whether it intends to publish these details.","AnswerText":"The appraisal framework developed for the Scottish Strategic Roads Review takes into account the estimated reduction in the number of accidents which would follow implementation of the schemes under review and the resulting savings in medical costs. We expect to report to Parliament on the review after the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137248,"EventID":"S1W-00237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission estimates of the cost to the Scottish economy of congestion caused by the non-implementation of each of the 17 road investment priorities i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission estimates of the cost to the Scottish economy of congestion caused by the non-implementation of each of the 17 road investment priorities included in the Scottish Strategic Roads Review, and if so, whether it intends to publish these details.","AnswerText":"The appraisal framework developed for the Scottish Strategic Roads Review takes into account the estimated journey time savings which would accrue to road users if the schemes under review were to be implemented. A monetary value is then calculated for these savings using long-established appraisal methodology. We expect to report to Parliament on the review after the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137249,"EventID":"S1W-00238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place within the temporary Parliament buildings for recycling of materials such as paper and aluminium.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place within the temporary Parliament buildings for recycling of materials such as paper and aluminium.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's existing waste disposal arrangements do not currently cover the recycling of waste paper or aluminium. Parliament staff are, however, preparing a specification for this type of service and the aim is to award a contract later in the summer.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137250,"EventID":"S1W-00239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for the publication of details of all financial awards, and the purpose of these awards, made by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for the publication of details of all financial awards, and the purpose of these awards, made by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to the Computer Department of Aberdeen University over the last year.","AnswerText":"Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's allocation to Aberdeen University last year was published in the SHEFC Circular Letter No. 8/98, 18 March 1998, copies of which have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. SHEFC made no awards direct to the Computer Department of Aberdeen University.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137251,"EventID":"S1W-00240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in the light of the decision regarding development of a National Swimming Training and Research Centre in Scotland, it intends to make a statement elaborating on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in the light of the decision regarding development of a National Swimming Training and Research Centre in Scotland, it intends to make a statement elaborating on the future development of this key aspect of sports provision.","AnswerText":"We strongly support in principle the proposal to establish a national training centre for swimming.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137252,"EventID":"S1W-00241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in the light of the decision about developing a National Swimming Training and Research Centre in Scotland, it intends to make a statement about the future develo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in the light of the decision about developing a National Swimming Training and Research Centre in Scotland, it intends to make a statement about the future development of this key aspect of sports provision.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer S1W-00240 given to Dr Richard Simpson, on 19 July 1999.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137253,"EventID":"S1W-00242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of its policy on freedom of information, it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government to publish all of those Cabinet papers whic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of its policy on freedom of information, it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government to publish all of those Cabinet papers which, under the 30 year rule, have not yet been published and which relate to matters which would now be devolved under the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"UK Cabinet papers, whether on devolved matters or not, are the property of Her Majesty's Government and their release as public records is a matter for Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137254,"EventID":"S1W-00243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will arrange for the names of those persons sitting at the tables at the rear of the Assembly Hall chamber to be printed ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will arrange for the names of those persons sitting at the tables at the rear of the Assembly Hall chamber to be printed on name cards along with a description of their position.","AnswerText":"There are three tables in the rear of the Assembly Hall, access to which is authorised by the Interim Clerk in terms of Business Bulletin Number 5/1999 published on 24 May 1999. The eastmost table is used by civil servants supporting the Scottish Executive. Up to 12 names are approved for attendance on each day when the Parliament is sitting: only 6 may be in the Hall at any time. These names are notified on the previous day. A copy of the list will be made available in the Reference Point behind the Chamber. A card indicating that the table is for use by officials of the Scottish Executive will be placed on the table. The centre table is used, as required, by staff of the Parliament. This will be clearly marked. All Parliamentary staff wear name badges. The westmost table is available for up to 6 advisers supporting non-executive parties. The names of those granted access on any day will also be listed in the Reference Point. Again, the table will be clearly identified as being available for non-Executive parties' support.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137255,"EventID":"S1W-00244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends in future to provide figures on the number of people suffering from M.E. as a separate category rather than including them in the chronic fatigue syndr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends in future to provide figures on the number of people suffering from M.E. as a separate category rather than including them in the chronic fatigue syndrome category.","AnswerText":"There are no present plans to change the statistical collection system for ME/CFS. Information is collected from two sources: (1) records diagnoses in a sample of over 60 general practices in Scotland; (2) records hospital inpatient and day case discharges. Diagnoses recording on national systems is based on two types of classification, Read coding and the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Neither of these classification methods allows for the separate identification of ME, for which there is no definitive diagnostic test.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137256,"EventID":"S1W-00245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to withhold future grant payments to the Tenants' Participation Advisory Service Ltd. until it is satisfied that the company has proper financial contr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to withhold future grant payments to the Tenants' Participation Advisory Service Ltd. until it is satisfied that the company has proper financial controls.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137257,"EventID":"S1W-00246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the current remit of its Chief Economic Adviser.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the current remit of its Chief Economic Adviser.","AnswerText":"The role of the Chief Economic Adviser is to provide advice on all economic issues affecting Scotland and to act as Head of Profession for all economists employed by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137258,"EventID":"S1W-00247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends that proposed work on trunk roads included in Scotland's Strategic Roads review will only be allowed to proceed on the basis of funding from motorway t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends that proposed work on trunk roads included in Scotland's Strategic Roads review will only be allowed to proceed on the basis of funding from motorway tolls, city centre access charges, and self-financing PFI schemes.","AnswerText":"Funding is one of the issues being considered in the Strategic Roads Review. We expect to report to Parliament on the review after the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137259,"EventID":"S1W-00248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the total cost of abolishing Skye bridge tolls with immediate effect.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the total cost of abolishing Skye bridge tolls with immediate effect.","AnswerText":"The basis for costing abolition of the tolls is stipulated in the contract for procuring the bridge. The Scottish Executive has no plans to initiate any negotiations about abolition with the concessionaire. Its policy is to freeze tolls at 1999 cash levels for the remainder of the contract. This will benefit all users of the bridge.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137260,"EventID":"S1W-00249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on improving standards in Scottish schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on improving standards in Scottish schools.","AnswerText":"Our commitment is demonstrated by making the Education Improvement Bill our top priority in the first legislative programme. The Excellence Fund is allocating £377 million over the next 3 years to schools to raise standards.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137261,"EventID":"S1W-00250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include Jordanhill School in its plans to return all directly funded schools to local authority control.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include Jordanhill School in its plans to return all directly funded schools to local authority control.","AnswerText":"Jordanhill School has never been under local authority management, so the question of returning it to the local authority does not arise.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137262,"EventID":"S1W-00251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the involvement of local citi'ens in the democratic renewal of communities across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the involvement of local citi'ens in the democratic renewal of communities across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Report of the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament was presented to the First Minister on Tuesday. We are considering the recommendations of the Report and I hope there will be an early opportunity to debate these.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137263,"EventID":"S1W-00252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on improving the quality of bus services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on improving the quality of bus services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The UK Government published in March a consultation paper setting out proposals for improving local bus services. Comments were invited by 25 June. Our Transport Bill will propose changes in the way bus services are organised emphasising improvement in quality and the development of partnership.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137264,"EventID":"S1W-00253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled students in Scotland it intends will benefit from the extension of the non-means tested Disabled Students Allowance to full time students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled students in Scotland it intends will benefit from the extension of the non-means tested Disabled Students Allowance to full time students.","AnswerText":"From session 1999/2000, as part of the aim to widen access to higher education, the Disabled Students' Allowance will be available to all eligible full-time and part-time higher education students; there is no specified number.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137265,"EventID":"S1W-00254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to reduce child poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to reduce child poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We want to give the best possible start to all Scottish children and will be promoting an integrated programme of distinctive Scottish measures, including initiatives in education, childcare and health.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137266,"EventID":"S1W-00255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to affirm its commitment to a maximum working week of 56 hours for junior doctors in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to affirm its commitment to a maximum working week of 56 hours for junior doctors in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A commitment to the achievement of the 56 hour target here in Scotland has already been given and I can restate our determination to see that fully implemented.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137267,"EventID":"S1W-00256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the New Community Schools initiative and its plans to enhance the current programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the New Community Schools initiative and its plans to enhance the current programme.","AnswerText":"New Community Schools is a radical initiative to modernise schools, raise attainment and promote social inclusion. We will be spending £26 million on them over the next 3 years.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137268,"EventID":"S1W-00257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of the allocation that each local authority will receive of the additional #5 million over each of the next 3 years earmarked","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of the allocation that each local authority will receive of the additional #5 million over each of the next 3 years earmarked for increasing the provision of respite care in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Grant Aided Expenditure shares for 1999-2000 of the £5.1 million provided to assist the development of respite care and other services to help carers are set out below. GAE allowances are not expenditure guidelines and it is for individual authorities to determine the level of expenditure on particular services and client groups. GAE Share of Carers/Respite Care Allowances 1999-2000
Council | 1999-2000 GAE Allocation* | % Share | | £000 | | Aberdeen City | 211 | 4.1% | Aberdeenshire | 192 | 3.8% | Angus | 120 | 2.3% | Argyll & Bute | 106 | 2.1% | Clackmannanshire | 49 | 1.0% | Dumfries & Galloway | 153 | 3.0% | Dundee City | 168 | 3.3% | East Ayrshire | 125 | 2.4% | East Dunbartonshire | 85 | 1.7% | East Lothian | 90 | I announced on 24 June that the Scottish Executive will make available the annual expenditure commitments associated with Government public-private partnerships, sector by sector. In addition, for future projects Full Business Cases will be published, which will show whether projects represent value for money.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137273,"EventID":"S1W-00262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept the recommendation of Chantrey Vellacott DFK that the rate of return should be published in all PFI contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept the recommendation of Chantrey Vellacott DFK that the rate of return should be published in all PFI contracts.","AnswerText":"No. I refer Mr Ewing to my reply given to his question (S1W-00261) on 9 July 1999.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137274,"EventID":"S1W-00263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it intends to make to include non-teaching school staff, especially school librarians, in the consultation process for the Education Standards Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it intends to make to include non-teaching school staff, especially school librarians, in the consultation process for the Education Standards Bill.","AnswerText":"I will ensure the widest consultation on the proposed Improvement in Scottish Education Bill. Copies of the consultation document will be sent to every school in Scotland and Headteachers will be encouraged to discuss the proposals with all school staff. A wide range of other organisations are also being consulted including School Boards, the Scottish Library and Information Council and the Scottish Library Association.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137275,"EventID":"S1W-00264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the Infectious Salmon Anaemia crisis, when it intends to implement the commitments made by HM Government on 8 February 1999 to the many Highlands and Isla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the Infectious Salmon Anaemia crisis, when it intends to implement the commitments made by HM Government on 8 February 1999 to the many Highlands and Islands communities reliant on salmon farming to restore job security and investor confidence in the industry.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Rural Affairs and I met the industry on 11 June. The commitment given by HM Government on 8 February envisaged support totalling £3 million per annum for 3 years subject to matching funding from the industry. A subsequent report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers suggested that the required funding from the industry was unlikely to be forthcoming and proposed that the Government funds should be channelled through Highlands & Islands Enterprise. The industry has subsequently proposed that the Government should offer insurance against the disease. My officials are now in discussion with industry representatives about the options for addressing this problem.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137276,"EventID":"S1W-00265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will arrange for waste paper recycling facilities to be provided within the current Parliamentary complex.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will arrange for waste paper recycling facilities to be provided within the current Parliamentary complex.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's existing waste disposal arrangements do not currently cover the recycling of waste paper. Parliament staff are, however, preparing a specification for this type of service and the aim is to award a contract later in the summer.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137277,"EventID":"S1W-00266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to tackle the problems that feudal rights of pre-emption, in relation to properties gifted for educational and social purposes, are causing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to tackle the problems that feudal rights of pre-emption, in relation to properties gifted for educational and social purposes, are causing local authorities and others now that those properties are no longer used for their original purposes. ","AnswerText":"We announced on 30 June our intention to legislate to abolish the feudal system substantially along the lines recommended by the Scottish Law Commission in its recent report (Scot Law Com 168). This report recommends that the rights of superiors should be abolished. However it also recommends that where a superior disposed of land substantially below market value for a specific purpose, then there should be the possibility of compensation in the event that the land is freed for development. Compensation would reflect land values at the time of sale rather than current market values and should therefore cause local authorities little expense.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137278,"EventID":"S1W-00267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the need for a new coast fisheries boundary line between Scotland and England and on why it should differ significantly from any line ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the need for a new coast fisheries boundary line between Scotland and England and on why it should differ significantly from any line describing the limits of other offshore activities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order 1999 was necessary to define for the first time the Scottish Zone of British Fisheries Limits, within which Scottish Ministers would have competence to regulate and legislate on sea fisheries matters. The line for oil and gas in the Civil Jurisdiction (Offshore Activities) Order 1987 has no relevance to fisheries. In addition, matters relating to oil and gas are reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137279,"EventID":"S1W-00268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle poverty and social inclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle poverty and social inclusion.","AnswerText":"We are announcing today the formation of the Poverty and Inclusion Task Force. Its membership is: Wendy Alexander MSP, Minister for Communities Jackie Baillie MSP, Deputy Minister for Communities Sam Galbraith MSP, Minister for Education and Children Susan Deacon MSP, Minister for Health and Community Care Henry McLeish MSP, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Jack McConnell MSP, Minister for Finance Ross Finnie MSP, Minister for Rural Affairs The Task Force's role will be to drive forward an integrated agenda of action to promote social inclusion. It will work in partnership with the Scottish Social Inclusion Network to meet the Partnership commitment to put a social inclusion strategy to Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity. Its first task will be to develop targets for social inclusion in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137280,"EventID":"S1W-00269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of any discussions it has had with the taskforce established to secure a buyer for the Kvaerner Govan Shipyard and of any future meetings ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of any discussions it has had with the taskforce established to secure a buyer for the Kvaerner Govan Shipyard and of any future meetings that are scheduled to take place with the taskforce.","AnswerText":"Prior to 1 July the work of the Kvaerner Task Force was the responsibility of Scottish Office Ministers. In recent weeks my colleagues met the Task Force to discuss its role in helping secure a successful outcome to Kvaerner's efforts to find a buyer for the Govan shipyard.As the Task Force's work has now been completed, there will be no further formal meetings, but individual members will be consulted as necessary on matters affecting the future of Kvaerner's Clydebank engineering works and Greenock engine works.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137281,"EventID":"S1W-00270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the lack of financial assistance available to Scottish pig farmers what plans does it have to prevent the collapse of the Scottish pig farming industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the lack of financial assistance available to Scottish pig farmers what plans does it have to prevent the collapse of the Scottish pig farming industry.","AnswerText":"I sympathise with the current plight of Scottish pig producers, which arises from overproduction at national EU and world levels. The Scottish Executive is precluded by EU rules from providing direct financial assistance to this sector. But we will encourage the European Commission to use other measures at its disposal to help alleviate the situation.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137282,"EventID":"S1W-00271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prevent composite class si'es rising from their present limit of 25 to 30 as a result of regulations (S.I. 1999/1080) to reduce overall class si'es t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prevent composite class si'es rising from their present limit of 25 to 30 as a result of regulations (S.I. 1999/1080) to reduce overall class si'es to 30.","AnswerText":"The Regulations ensure that the commitment to class sizes of 30 or less in P1 to P3 will be delivered by August 2001. Local authorities are being supported with £48.2 million over this and the next 2 years through the Excellence Fund to achieve this.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137283,"EventID":"S1W-00272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to encourage the use of indigenous materials in the construction of the new Parliament and its surroundings and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to encourage the use of indigenous materials in the construction of the new Parliament and its surroundings and whether it is aware of the concern of Scottish business in relation to the proposed use of materials from overseas.","AnswerText":"The SPCB is aware of the views of Scottish business and supports the use of indigenous materials in the construction of the new Parliament building. All materials must meet certain requirements in terms of suitability, quality, availability, sustainability and value for money. Procurement procedures must comply with EC Directives and Government purchasing guidelines. No contracts have been awarded involving overseas materials.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137284,"EventID":"S1W-00273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any representations to Her Majesty's Government on the Single-Work Focused Gateway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any representations to Her Majesty's Government on the Single-Work Focused Gateway.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with United Kingdom Government Ministers and Departments, including the Department for Social Security and the Department for Education and Employment, on a wide range of issues, including the Single Work-Focused Gateway now called "ONE".","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137285,"EventID":"S1W-00274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to apply the revised guidance on Private Finance Initiative accounting transactions announced by Her Majesty's Government on 24 June 1999 to future cap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to apply the revised guidance on Private Finance Initiative accounting transactions announced by Her Majesty's Government on 24 June 1999 to future capital projects in Scotland and, if so, what implications it expects the revised guidance to have for staff employed in Scotland's public services.","AnswerText":"The revised guidance will be applied in Scotland. Officials in the Scottish Executive Private Finance Unit are discussing its general application with H M Treasury. It is likely that the guidance will result in greater flexibility to exclude some services not directly associated with the maintenance of the asset.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137286,"EventID":"S1W-00275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reform the law relating to long leasehold tenure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reform the law relating to long leasehold tenure","AnswerText":"This is an area on which the Scottish Executive would prefer to await recommendations from the Scottish Law Commission before legislating.The Commission has given some attention to leasehold tenure in its 1998 report on Leasehold Casualties (Scot Law Com No 165) and it has recommended in its 1999 report on Abolition of the Feudal System (Scot Law Com No 168) that a maximum length be fixed for long leases of land. New residential leases are already limited to 20 years. However a major review by the Commission of leasehold tenure has been deferred until the Commission could complete reports on the Law of the Tenement (Scot Law Com 162), Abolition of the Feudal System and Real Burdens. Only the last of these is outstanding and a report is expected by early next year. The Commission is currently preparing recommendations to Ministers on its sixth programme of law reform and this is likely to include a review of long residential leases.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137287,"EventID":"S1W-00276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to recommend to the Scottish Law Commission that it incorporates the issue of long leases of residential property into its seventh programme of law ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to recommend to the Scottish Law Commission that it incorporates the issue of long leases of residential property into its seventh programme of law reform.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Ewing to the reply I gave on 19 July 1999 to his question S1W-00275.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137288,"EventID":"S1W-00277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the number of residential properties held under long leasehold tenure in Scotland, and whether it intends to introduce interi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the number of residential properties held under long leasehold tenure in Scotland, and whether it intends to introduce interim law reforms to provide security of tenure to tenants under such leases where those leases are close to expiry.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Ewing to the reply I gave on 19 July to question S1W-00275. We have no plans for interim measures.To provide an estimate of the number of residential properties held under long leasehold tenure in Scotland would require considerable research in the Register of Sasines and the Land Register. We do not think this necessary at present, as any review by the Commission will concern the same principles, no matter how many properties are affected.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137289,"EventID":"S1W-00278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a rent deposit fund to provide low-income families and individuals with access to loans to pay deposits for privately rented accommodation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a rent deposit fund to provide low-income families and individuals with access to loans to pay deposits for privately rented accommodation.","AnswerText":"In its Partnership for Scotland, the Scottish Executive made a commitment to encourage rent deposit schemes. Local authorities already have powers to give rent guarantees or indemnities, or if required payments, to private sector landlords where this is necessary to secure the grant of a tenancy. We believe that such schemes have a valuable part to play in promoting housing opportunities for households on low incomes.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137290,"EventID":"S1W-00279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to assist the Scotch whisky industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to assist the Scotch whisky industry.","AnswerText":"Recognising the importance of this industry to Scotland, I shall soon be meeting representatives from the Scotch Whisky industry to hear at first hand about their prospects and concerns. I shall be glad to give whatever assistance I can.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137291,"EventID":"S1W-00280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an assessment of the impact on employment in Scotland of the ending of duty free sales within the European Union and whether it intends to s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an assessment of the impact on employment in Scotland of the ending of duty free sales within the European Union and whether it intends to seek details of any financial assistance being provided to French companies affected by the abolition of such duty free sales by the French government.","AnswerText":"My Department will monitor this matter closely. I am not aware that any financial assistance has been offered to companies by the French government, for the reason suggested, but if Fergus Ewing has any relevant information I would be glad to consider it.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137292,"EventID":"S1W-00281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government with regard to the rate of excise duty applicable to spirits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government with regard to the rate of excise duty applicable to spirits.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of the spirits industry in Scotland and will do all that it can to further the interests of this industry. The Scottish Executive will make appropriate representations at the relevant time to the UK Government on issues that impact on the industry.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137293,"EventID":"S1W-00282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the cost of the M8 road charging trial and, if so, whether this will include details of the amount to be spent on (a) labour,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the cost of the M8 road charging trial and, if so, whether this will include details of the amount to be spent on (a) labour, (b) consultancy fees and (c) materials/equipment.","AnswerText":"The contract for implementing the UK electronic road user charging demonstration project will be the subject of a competitive tendering exercise to be initiated shortly. Subject to the standard rules on commercially confidential information, I would expect, in due course, to be able to provide some information on the cost associated with the winning tender.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137294,"EventID":"S1W-00283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available any reports it holds relating to other countries' experiences with road pricing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available any reports it holds relating to other countries' experiences with road pricing.","AnswerText":"Reports on developments in and experiences with road pricing in other countries have appeared from time to time in, for example, academic and professional journals. The Scottish Executive does not hold any such reports which are not already in the public domain.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137295,"EventID":"S1W-00284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its plans for land reform legislation announced as part of the legislative programme for 1999 - 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its plans for land reform legislation announced as part of the legislative programme for 1999 - 2000.","AnswerText":"I shall be publishing a White Paper setting out our proposals for land reform legislation on community ownership and on access next week. The proposed legislation on community ownership will give community bodies the right to buy the land where they live and/or work when it comes to be sold. The owner will have to give notice of the forthcoming sale, and there will be time for the community body to consider whether to go ahead with community purchase. The purchase price will be assessed by a Government-appointed Valuer. Before the purchase goes ahead, the community will be balloted to establish that the purchase has local support. The community body will then have time to come up with the necessary funding. Finally, there will be a new power of compulsory purchase in the public interest which is intended as a deterrent to evasion. The proposed legislation on access will introduce a statutory right for the public to enter upon land or water, for recreation and passage, provided that they exercise this right responsibly. There will be some restrictions to respect privacy, and where access would either be dangerous or damaging for the land use. But the intention is that any such constraints will be the minimum necessary. Guidance on responsible behaviour will be set out in a new Scottish Countryside Access Code. New duties will be placed on public agencies to provide new facilities to encourage access; and to remove restrictions that discourage people from exercising the right of access responsibly. At least one local access forum will be created in each local authority area to review implementation in their areas, and deal with any disputes. Our proposals have already received an enthusiastic reception. I believe that the details will be equally well received.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137296,"EventID":"S1W-00285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for implementing the Scottish provisions of the Health Act 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for implementing the Scottish provisions of the Health Act 1999.","AnswerText":"The Health Act 1999 is receiving the Royal Assent today. The provisions relating to Scotland complete the abolition of the NHS internal market and provide for added protection for patients and improved measures to tackle fraud. The main Scottish provisions are: - Abolition of GP fundholding - Changing the main function of NHS Trusts from owning and managing property to providing goods and services. - Bringing together budgets for hospital services and prescribed drugs to increase flexibility. - Removing the "interest bearing debt" element of Trusts' finance. - Changing the name of Trusts' non-executive directors to "trustees". - Enabling the delegation of functions relating to family health services from Health Boards to Primary Care Trusts. - Introducing a power for Ministers to direct NHS Trusts. - Protecting staff who transfer between health bodies as a result of organisational change. - Imposing a duty of quality on the NHS in Scotland. - Requiring primary care practitioners to hold indemnity cover. - tackling NHS fraud. I shall arrange for a copy of the Explanatory Notes to the Act to be placed in the Document Supply Centre. I shall bring the Scottish provisions in the Act into force progressively. I intend to commence the provisions relating to the management and organisation of the NHS in Scotland - the first 9 of those listed above - on 1 September, subject to the necessary preparations being made and guidance being in place. I believe there is advantage in ensuring that the provisions relating to indemnity and fraud are operated consistently in Scotland and England. I therefore intend to commence those provisions once agreement has been reached on the best time and means to implement them. I expect that to be on or before 1 April 2000.I shall continue to keep members informed of progress with implementation of these provisions.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137297,"EventID":"S1W-00286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on the Report of the Scottish Law Commission on the Abolition of the Feudal System.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on the Report of the Scottish Law Commission on the Abolition of the Feudal System.","AnswerText":"First, I would like to congratulate the Scottish Law Commission for an excellent Report, covering a very complex and difficult area of law reform. I believe that they have tackled it in a thorough and imaginative way. I wish to give a clear endorsement of the substance of the Commission's recommendations and to make plain to Members that we intend to lay before Parliament, with only minor modification, the draft Bill which is attached to the Commission's Report. In his statement on the Partnership's legislative programme, the First Minister announced that we would be introducing early legislation to abolish the feudal system. That is a long-term commitment of both of our parties. The feudal system is outdated and archaic. The main provision of our proposed legislation will be the abolition of the feudal system and its replacement with a simple system of land ownership. Feudal superiorities will be abolished, and vassals will own their land outright. Any remaining feu duties will be abolished, but compensation can be payable. The Commission propose that the abolition of feudal superiorities should not take effect until a further Bill, which makes arrangements for all real burdens, including the saved feudal burdens, has been enacted. The Government agree that it is important that the arrangements for the abolition of superiors' rights and for real burdens should be co-ordinated. We therefore intend to introduce a further Bill on real burdens after the Commission has produced its report on that subject. The Commission recognise that some feudal burdens are useful, and they recommend that these should be retained, and that they should be classified in four categories: common facilities burdens, neighbour burdens, maritime burdens and conservation burdens. We agree that the proposed categorisation of burdens is sensible. We believe, however, that there are difficult areas, both in relation to burdens which would be abolished and also in relation to the precise qualifications which are proposed to enable burdens to remain in force as neighbour burdens. These are areas which will no doubt be considered carefully by the Justice and Home Affairs Committee. The Commission have made a number of recommendations in relation to compensation. They recommend that compensation should be paid for remaining feu duties, and for the superior's loss of certain real burdens which reserve development value of the land. They do not recommend that compensation should be paid for the loss of the superior's right to charge vassals for waiving feudal conditions. The Government believes that this is a balanced package, and we are disposed to accept it. We will, however, be considering further whether there are any European Convention of Human Rights implications to what is proposed. The proposed legislation will also abolish some other archaic forms of land tenure and types of payment. It will not, however, abolish udal tenure, which is already non-feudal. Entails will be abolished, and the title of baron will be separated from the land. Many obsolete Acts and provisions will be repealed.","AnswerDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137298,"EventID":"S1W-00287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many recycling sacks or containers have been distributed throughout the Parliamentary complex.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many recycling sacks or containers have been distributed throughout the Parliamentary complex.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's existing waste disposal arrangements do not currently cover the recycling of waste materials. Parliament staff are at present preparing a specification for a waste management service which will include recycling facilities for waste paper, cardboard, aluminium cans, plastic cups and where possible glass and other plastics. It is hoped that recycling arrangements will be in place by the end of the summer at which time recycling receptacles will be positioned throughout the Parliamentary complex. A notice will issue at that time to inform MSPs and staff of the recycling arrangements.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137299,"EventID":"S1W-00288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements have been made for the recycling of waste paper within the Parliamentary complex.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements have been made for the recycling of waste paper within the Parliamentary complex.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's existing waste disposal arrangements do not currently cover the recycling of waste materials. Parliament staff are presently preparing a specification for a waste management service which will include recycling facilities for waste paper, cardboard, aluminium cans, plastic cups and where possible glass and other plastics. It is hoped that recycling arrangements will be in place by the end of the summer at which time recycling receptacles will be positioned throughout the Parliamentary complex. A notice will issue at that time to inform MSPs and staff of the recycling arrangements.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137300,"EventID":"S1W-00289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make available better statistical information to enable the Parliament to base its decisions on relevant and accurate information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make available better statistical information to enable the Parliament to base its decisions on relevant and accurate information.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will make a wide range of high quality, relevant statistical information available to the Parliament and the public. The Executive is committed to the maintenance of high professional standards by its statistical staff, to adherence to the Government Statistical Service Code of Practice and to a continuing programme of improvement to the range and quality of the information available, in consultation with data providers and users. Particular attention will be paid to needs identified by the Parliament. Prior to 1 July a number of initiatives were undertaken by The Scottish Office, in anticipation of increased needs for data following devolution. These included the development of new economic series and enhancements to others, and the establishment of the Scottish Household Survey in February of this year. The first results from the Scottish Household Survey will be published within the next few weeks. A White Paper on official statistics will be published shortly by the UK Government. The Scottish Executive will consider at an early stage what additional arrangements might be needed to ensure the quality and accessibility of statistical information about Scotland. A statement will be issued in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137301,"EventID":"S1W-00290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the regulations governing the repayment of student loans taken out by students who started their courses in academic session 1997-98 or earli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the regulations governing the repayment of student loans taken out by students who started their courses in academic session 1997-98 or earlier (S.I. 1998/211) and in particular whether it intends to allow deferment of repayments to be backdated by more than 3 months in cases where application of the current rule would give rise to hardship.","AnswerText":"We have no immediate plans to do so. Three months does not seem to be an unreasonable period within which to expect borrowers whose income is below the repayment threshold to seek to defer their liability to repay.Where their failure to do so gives rise to hardship, the Student Loans Company Limited can in appropriate cases grant indulgence and offer an arrangement for the repayment of any arrears.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137302,"EventID":"S1W-00291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on the resignation of the Chief Executive of Fife Enterprise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a statement on the resignation of the Chief Executive of Fife Enterprise.","AnswerText":"No. This is a matter for Fife Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137303,"EventID":"S1W-00292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the charges on individuals under the powers contained in the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 and, if so whether it will provide details","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the charges on individuals under the powers contained in the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999 and, if so whether it will provide details of those changes.","AnswerText":"A new charging regime was introduced on 5 April 1999 through Regulations made under the terms of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Act 1999. Under the new arrangements, individuals are no longer charged an emergency treatment fee for hospital attendances following a road traffic accident in which they were involved. NHS charges only become payable when an insurance company pays compensation under a personal injury claim in respect of a road traffic accident. In practice, NHS charges are met by insurance companies and not passed on to the individual concerned. Neither the individual's entitlement to personal injury compensation or the amount awarded is affected by the charge recovery. The new charging arrangements apply to all cases where compensation is or has been paid in respect of accidents from 2 July 1997. The charges are: - Treatment without inpatient admission: flat rate charge of £354
- Treatment with admission: daily rate of £435 subject to a ceiling of £10,000
The charges have been set to reflect the actual costs to the NHS as a whole for treating road traffic accident victims.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137304,"EventID":"S1W-00293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends make a statement as to what percentage of revenue collected by virtue of road tolling will be spent on the infrastructure of public transport and roads","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends make a statement as to what percentage of revenue collected by virtue of road tolling will be spent on the infrastructure of public transport and roads network.","AnswerText":"Our initial proposals on the use of revenue collected by means of possible future road user charging or workplace parking levy schemes are set out in the consultation paper on these issues published today. A copy of the paper will be deposited in the Parliament's Information Centre. Following consultation, our proposals will be incorporated into the planned Transport Bill.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137305,"EventID":"S1W-00294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek a review or variation of the 40 year rule, in relation to the publication of documents, for documents held by Scottish Natural Heritage and, an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek a review or variation of the 40 year rule, in relation to the publication of documents, for documents held by Scottish Natural Heritage and, and if so, to detail the proposed terms of access to such documentation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intends to consider, in its forthcoming consultation on freedom of information, whether any change is required to the existing legislation and rules, such as the 30 year rule, which apply to the release of public records in Scotland, including those held by NDPBs such as Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137306,"EventID":"S1W-00295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the charges, fees levied and expenses recovered under the powers contained in the Food Environmental Protection Act 1985.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the charges, fees levied and expenses recovered under the powers contained in the Food Environmental Protection Act 1985.","AnswerText":"Fees are charged under Part II of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 for licences for the deposit of substances or articles in the sea and under Part III for the approval of, and monitoring the effects of, pesticides. Fees for licences under Part II, which were last increased on 1 April 1996, will be reviewed later this year. Fees for approvals under Part III, which were last increased on 1 April 1997, were reviewed earlier this year and no increases are envisaged for the time being.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137307,"EventID":"S1W-00296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will set targets for each of the next five years for the percentage of paper, glass, aluminium, other metals and plastic ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will set targets for each of the next five years for the percentage of paper, glass, aluminium, other metals and plastic used within the Parliamentary complex to be recycled and what is the best present estimate of the amount of these materials currently used and the percentage of each that will be recycled.","AnswerText":"All waste from Parliament buildings is disposed at landfill by City of Edinburgh Council. Facilities Management are currently preparing a specification for a waste management contract which will include recycling facilities for waste paper, cardboard, aluminium cans, plastic cups and where possible glass and other plastics. At present there are no figures available on the quantities of waste from Parliament buildings. The specification for the waste management contract will require the contractor to provide data on quantities of each waste material recycled and disposed at landfill. In additional, we require to put in place procedures for quantifying materials purchased for use within Parliament buildings. Only when these 2 elements have been established can we look at setting targets for reducing the percentage of waste to landfill and increasing the percentage of waste materials recycled. It is hoped that at the end of the summer a waste management contract will be in place and relevant data can begin to be gathered. It will be next year before we can establish a baseline figure for waste and therefore set realistic waste management targets.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137308,"EventID":"S1W-00297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state how many accidents involving serious injury or fatalities have occurred between Fenwick and Malletsheugh on the A77 for each of the last three years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state how many accidents involving serious injury or fatalities have occurred between Fenwick and Malletsheugh on the A77 for each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"An analysis of the available accident statistics for the 3 full years 1996-1998 between Fenwick and Malletsheugh on the A77 trunk road shows the following number of fatal and serious accidents:- | | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | Fatal | 5 | 0 | 2 | Serious | 6 | 5 | 9 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137309,"EventID":"S1W-00298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted by Her Majesty's Government regarding the possible abolition of Housing Benefit and, if so, what representations it has made on the matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted by Her Majesty's Government regarding the possible abolition of Housing Benefit and, if so, what representations it has made on the matter.","AnswerText":"A number of options are being considered by the UK Government for improvements to the way in which Housing Benefit is provided. We will continue to liaise closely with the relevant Whitehall departments to ensure that Scottish interests are taken into account as policy in this area is developed. We also expect Housing Benefit issues to be included in a Green Paper to be published by the UK Government later in the year, which will provide a further opportunity for all interested parties, including the Scottish Parliament and Executive, to express their views.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137310,"EventID":"S1W-00299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the division of responsibilities between the Scottish Administration and Her Majesty's Government for expenditure and policies relating","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the division of responsibilities between the Scottish Administration and Her Majesty's Government for expenditure and policies relating to the New Deal for Young People.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which therefore takes the lead on the funding and delivery of the New Deal throughout Great Britain, although in close consultation with its partners, including the Scottish Executive. Many partner organisations at local level also provide New Deal services under contract or provide funds and other resources, including training funds to enhance the quality of New Deal in their areas. The public and voluntary sector organisations which contribute to the New Deal in this way fall within the remit of the Scottish administration.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137311,"EventID":"S1W-00300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the expenditure and numbers of young people involved in Scotland to date in respect of the New Deal for Young People.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the expenditure and numbers of young people involved in Scotland to date in respect of the New Deal for Young People.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations as indicated in the answer to question S1W-00299 also answered today.By the end of April 30,300 had joined the programme. Expenditure incurred to that date was £19.3 million, excluding the cost of allowances where separate information on Scotland is not available. This figure understates the total costs accrued due to time lags in billing and reimbursement.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137312,"EventID":"S1W-00301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a list of all current and planned New Deal initiatives in Scotland other than those covered by the New Deal for Young People.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a list of all current and planned New Deal initiatives in Scotland other than those covered by the New Deal for Young People.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations as indicated in the answer to question S1W-00299 also answered today. The current and planned New Deal initiatives in Scotland, other than the New Deal for Young People, are: - New Deal for Lone Parents
- New Deal for Disabled People
- New Deal for Partners of Unemployed People
- New Deal for long-term unemployed people aged 25 plus
- New Deal 25 plus pilots
New Deal 50 plus","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137313,"EventID":"S1W-00302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state how many young people who have obtained employment through the New Deal Gateway have been taken on by employers who are not receiving the New Deal s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state how many young people who have obtained employment through the New Deal Gateway have been taken on by employers who are not receiving the New Deal subsidy, and what percentage does this represent of all those who have been taken on under the employment option.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations as indicated in the answer to question S1W-00299 also answered today.The total number to the end of April was 5,570 and this represented 65% of those who had moved into sustained employment by that date.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137314,"EventID":"S1W-00303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the number of companies in Scotland which have taken on young people under the employment option of the New Deal for Young People to da","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the number of companies in Scotland which have taken on young people under the employment option of the New Deal for Young People to date and what percentage of trading businesses in Scotland this figure represents.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations as indicated in the answer to question S1W-00299 also answered today.The number of young people who had secured sustained jobs through the programme to the end of April was 8,600 and the number of companies which had signed New Deal employer agreements was 8,800. This represents 6 per cent of businesses registered for VAT and/or PAYE in Scotland. Information about the number of companies which have taken on New Deal recruits is not available.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137315,"EventID":"S1W-00304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state how many young people have taken up the employment option under the New Deal for Young People in Scotland to date, how many of these have completed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state how many young people have taken up the employment option under the New Deal for Young People in Scotland to date, how many of these have completed the six month period of employment, how many have left before completion of the six month period, and how many obtained permanent employment with their host company on completion of the six months.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations as indicated in the answer to question S1W-00299 also answered today. By the end of April 2,530 had joined the employer option: of the 370 who had left the option 250 (68%) had moved into unsubsidised jobs either as a result of being retained by their employers or by moving to a job with another employer.Details of the periods spent on options and the numbers who are retained by the employer who took them on under the employer option are not available.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137316,"EventID":"S1W-00305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take immediate steps to ensure that the additional funding needed for the Methadone Prescription Programme, as agreed in principle by Ayrshire and Arran H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take immediate steps to ensure that the additional funding needed for the Methadone Prescription Programme, as agreed in principle by Ayrshire and Arran Health Board, will be made available this year.","AnswerText":"Health Boards are given an annual general revenue allocation. It is for Health Boards to determine, within the funds available, how to manage and deliver local health care services that meet the healthcare needs of their resident population.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137317,"EventID":"S1W-00306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the estimated cost of upgrading the A77 road to dual carriageway status between the Whitletts roundabout in Ayr and the junction between the A77 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the estimated cost of upgrading the A77 road to dual carriageway status between the Whitletts roundabout in Ayr and the junction between the A77 and A713.","AnswerText":"No estimate has been made of the cost of upgrading the A77 to dual carriageway between Whitletts roundabout and the junction between the A77 and A713.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137318,"EventID":"S1W-00307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the estimated cost of upgrading the A77 to dual carriageway status from the Whitletts roundabout in Ayr to Stranraer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the estimated cost of upgrading the A77 to dual carriageway status from the Whitletts roundabout in Ayr to Stranraer.","AnswerText":"No estimate has been made of the cost of upgrading the A77 to dual carriageway status between Whitletts roundabout and Stranraer. A Route Action Plan (RAP) study recently undertaken on this section of the route recommended several individual schemes together with road safety improvement measures to bring the whole route up to a consistent standard.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137319,"EventID":"S1W-00308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the unemployment situation in Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the unemployment situation in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to promoting environmentally and socially sustainable economic development, through working in partnership with local agencies. We are very conscious of the particular problems of areas such as Ayrshire and we shall seek to ensure through investing in jobs and skills, fostering enterprise and encouraging the growth of new businesses that we create sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities for all members of the community. The Scottish Executive will also take this approach to tackle the challenges facing Lanarkshire and Falkirk about which Mr Neil asked in questions S1W-309 and S1W-311 respectively, also answered today.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137320,"EventID":"S1W-00309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to adress the unemployment situation in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to adress the unemployment situation in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Neil to question S1W-308, answered today.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137321,"EventID":"S1W-00310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the expenditure by Scottish Trade International for each of the last two years and its budget for the current year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the expenditure by Scottish Trade International for each of the last two years and its budget for the current year.","AnswerText":"Scottish Trade International is a joint organisation between the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise. Each organisation contributes to staffing and related expenditure, in addition Scottish Enterprise also provides additional funding for programme expenditure. Details are as follows: | | 1997/98 | 1998/99 | 1999/00 | | | £k | £k | £k | Staffing & associated costs | | | | Scottish Enterprise | 837 | | | Scottish Executive | 780 | 770 | 840 | Staffing Costs | 1,617 | 1,639 | 2,022 | | | | | | Programme Costs | | | | | | | | | TOTAL | 8,653 | 8,369 | 8,022 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137322,"EventID":"S1W-00311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the unemployment situation in Falkirk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the unemployment situation in Falkirk.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Neil to question S1W-308, answered today.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137323,"EventID":"S1W-00312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the full reviews undertaken by Scottish Enterprise on the performance and impact of \"Technology Ventures\" during the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the full reviews undertaken by Scottish Enterprise on the performance and impact of \"Technology Ventures\" during the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chairman of Scottish Enterprise to write to Alex Neil MSP on this matter and I understand that he has already done so.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137324,"EventID":"S1W-00313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the number of companies in Scotland which have taken on young people in Scotland for each of the past two years under the Skillseekers ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the number of companies in Scotland which have taken on young people in Scotland for each of the past two years under the Skillseekers programme; and what percentage of trading businesses in Scotland this figure represents.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which are responsible for delivery of the Skillseekers programme, have been asked to provide details of the number of employers involved in the programme. This information will take some time to collate. I shall write to the hon Member as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137325,"EventID":"S1W-00314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, it will seek representation on the Bates Committee, Her Majesty's Treasury Task Force on the future of Public Finance Initiatives and Public Private Partnerships","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, it will seek representation on the Bates Committee, Her Majesty's Treasury Task Force on the future of Public Finance Initiatives and Public Private Partnerships.","AnswerText":"Sir Malcolm Bates was asked to carry out his review by HM Treasury. There was no formal committee on which the Executive could be represented. Sir Malcolm has now submitted his report to HM Treasury for consideration. Officials in the Scottish Executive Private Finance Unit maintain close contact with HM Treasury and will continue to do so.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137326,"EventID":"S1W-00315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, it will publish the list of Private Finance Initiative/Public-Private Partnerships contracts awarded in Scotland which do not include a purchase option for the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, it will publish the list of Private Finance Initiative/Public-Private Partnerships contracts awarded in Scotland which do not include a purchase option for the public sector on completion of the project, and details of when these contracts were signed.","AnswerText":"Signed PFI/PPP contracts in Scotland which do not include a purchase option for the public sector are listed below. In some cases, the absence of a purchase option is because there is no asset for the exclusive use of the public sector. Not included are those contracts entered into by local authorities or those within Health Trust delegated limits, details of which are not held centrally. Health Board/ NHS Trust | Nature of Project | Date Contract Signed | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Rutherglen) | Geriatric Care Beds | 03/90 | Ayrshire & Arran Health Board (Irvine) | Geriatric Care Beds | 02/91 | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Darnley) | Geriatric Care Beds | 12/91 | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Ruchill) | Geriatric Care Beds | 01/92 | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Shettleston) | Geriatric Care Beds | 03/92 | Lanarkshire Health Board (Bellshill) | Geriatric Care Beds | 11/92 | Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Medical Equipment | 07/93 | Grampian Health Board | Mental Health Care Beds | 09/93 | Lothian & Forth Valley Health Boards | Clinical Waste Disposal | 10/94 | Northern NHS Trusts & Health Boards | Clinical Waste Disposal | 10/94 | Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust | Medical Equipment | 02/95 | Ayrshire & Arran Health Board (Saltcoats) | Year | Grants £ | Loans £ | Contracts £ | 1998/99 | 220,212 | 0 | 144,916 | 1997/98 | 190,462 | 0 | 48,696 | 1996/97 | 174,501 | 0 | 79.074 |
Full details of individual grants are listed each year in SNH's published Annual Report, a copy of which is laid before Parliament. Contracts, which are in the main for research commissioned by SNH, are subject to normal protocol concerning commercially sensitive information.In addition to the payments listed in the table, the RSPB also received the sums of £61,340, £69,204 and £41,731 over the years 1996/97 to 1998/99 respectively in respect of management agreements. These management agreements, details of which are also published in SNH's Annual Report, cover payments made to the RSPB for the management of designated sites such as SSSIs on its land in order to safeguard the natural heritage importance of the site.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137330,"EventID":"S1W-00319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the most recent estimate of the capital cost for upgrading the A77 between Fenwick and Malletsheugh to motorway standard.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the most recent estimate of the capital cost for upgrading the A77 between Fenwick and Malletsheugh to motorway standard.","AnswerText":"The most recent estimate of the cost of constructing a motorway between Fenwick and Malletsheugh is £60.4m exclusive of VAT based on the prices current in the second quarter of 1998.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137331,"EventID":"S1W-00320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a Concordat with Her Majesty's Government covering Housing Benefits and other Social Security matters and, if so, when the draft concordat will be p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a Concordat with Her Majesty's Government covering Housing Benefits and other Social Security matters and, if so, when the draft concordat will be published and submitted to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Draft concordats have yet to be received from the UK Government. Once they have been considered by the Executive and agreed with the UK Government, they will be presented to the Scottish Parliament for its endorsement before they come into effect.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137332,"EventID":"S1W-00321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the expenditure on and number of people covered by all post 16 education and training programmes in Scotland funded by Scottish Enterp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the expenditure on and number of people covered by all post 16 education and training programmes in Scotland funded by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Higher and Further Education Funding Councils and the European Social Fund for the last financial year.","AnswerText":"For the financial year 1998/99, financial allocations to the following bodies for post 16 education and training, and the number of places covered, were as follows: £m Numbers Further Education Institutions 288 1 411,408 2 Scottish Higher Education Funding Council 431 1 118,700 3 Scottish Enterprise 136 4 45,534 5 Highlands and Islands Enterprise 11 4 3,320 5 Notes:1 Figures exclude tuition fee income.2 The latest figure is for 1997/98 and covers all FE student enrolments. A student enrolled on more than one FE course is counted for each course. 84% of FEI enrolments are part time. FE enrolments include a number of students aged 16. 3 The SHEFC figure covers the main teaching grant allocated to Institutions, but not research and relates to full time equivalent places funded. 47% of HEI enrolments are part time. 4 Figures exclude ESF funds.5 Average numbers in training at end year.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137333,"EventID":"S1W-00322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for alleviating poverty amongst pensioners in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for alleviating poverty amongst pensioners in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Action on pensioner poverty is happening on a UK and Scottish level. Changes to taxes and benefits are improving pensioners entitlements. VAT on household fuel has been reduced from 8% to 5%. From April 1999, pensioners have a guaranteed minimum income of not less than £75 a week, and pensioner couples £116 a week. Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners will rise from £20 to £100 minimum from December 1999. To complement these changes, a range of measures will be promoted to ensure that the needs of older people on low incomes are met. For example, the Scottish Warm Deal to tackle fuel poverty specifically targets pensioners on benefit, and we are committed to encouraging the improvement and integration of concessionary fare schemes.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137334,"EventID":"S1W-00323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to tackle the problem of food poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to tackle the problem of food poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Eradicating food poverty is an important element of our strategy to reduce health inequalities in Scotland. We currently fund the Scottish Community Diet Project to the tune of around £200K per annum. The Project works very closely with deprived communities, both urban and rural, and has funded 23 local initiatives to date. In addition, one of our Social Inclusion action teams is assessing the role of food and health initiatives in combating poverty at local level. It is expected to report by the end of September.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137335,"EventID":"S1W-00324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which European Union Council (Committee) meetings it will be attending in the next three months and those which it will not together with the reasons for not doing so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which European Union Council (Committee) meetings it will be attending in the next three months and those which it will not together with the reasons for not doing so.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Scottish Executive will regularly attend EU Council Working Group meetings, as part of the UK delegation, when issues of importance to Scotland are being discussed. Each decision on attendance will be based on the subject matter under discussion.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137336,"EventID":"S1W-00325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to construct a road from the A78 north of Ardrossan to the A78 south of Stevenston, by-passing the towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to construct a road from the A78 north of Ardrossan to the A78 south of Stevenston, by-passing the towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston.","AnswerText":"The bypass to Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston is one of the major trunk road proposals that is being considered in the Strategic Review of the Trunk Road Programme. We expect to report to Parliament on the Strategic Review after the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137337,"EventID":"S1W-00326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to upgrade the A737 road from Howwood in Renfrewshire into North Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to upgrade the A737 road from Howwood in Renfrewshire into North Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no immediate plans to upgrade the A737 trunk road. A study is underway to identify sections of the route which would benefit from a more consistent standard of signing. Subject to the findings of the report, it is expected that any work identified will be undertaken during financial year 2000/2001, subject to funds being available.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137338,"EventID":"S1W-00327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to British Airways with regard to the restoration of a direct air service between Inverness and London Heathrow and whether it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to British Airways with regard to the restoration of a direct air service between Inverness and London Heathrow and whether it intends to ask Her Majesty's Government and the European Commission to make similar representations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions have commissioned a study which is looking at the economic impact of the withdrawal of the air service between Inverness and Heathrow. The study is expected to report later in the summer. We shall consider its findings very carefully before determining our response.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137339,"EventID":"S1W-00328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek information from Her Majesty's Government about any correspondence between Her Majesty's Government and the Chairman of the North of Scotland W","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek information from Her Majesty's Government about any correspondence between Her Majesty's Government and the Chairman of the North of Scotland Water Authority regarding the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and, if so, whether it will make details of this correspondence available.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to seek information about such correspondence.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137340,"EventID":"S1W-00329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available copies of any correspondence it has had with the Chairman of the North of Scotland Water Authority regarding the Urban Waste Water Tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make available copies of any correspondence it has had with the Chairman of the North of Scotland Water Authority regarding the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC).","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not had any correspondence with the Chairman of the North of Scotland Water Authority regarding the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137341,"EventID":"S1W-00330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it intends to issue to local authorities in order to tackle bullying and harassment of people who have a learning disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it intends to issue to local authorities in order to tackle bullying and harassment of people who have a learning disability.","AnswerText":"The review of services for people with a learning disability recognises the need to promote more positive public attitudes towards people with learning disabilities. It has already commissioned a study of how public attitudes might be changed for the better. We would expect this to address bullying and harassment. Its findings will be taken into account in the review which is to report to Ministers at the end of the year.The Moray House Institute of Education manages the national anti-bullying network. This is funded by the Scottish Executive and provides support and advice to all levels of school education through sharing good practice. It offers support to schools and authorities in tackling bullying.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137342,"EventID":"S1W-00332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends that the present review of services for people with a learning disability will address bullying and harassment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends that the present review of services for people with a learning disability will address bullying and harassment.","AnswerText":"The review of services for people with a learning disability recognises the need to promote more positive public attitudes towards people with learning disabilities. It has already commissioned a study of how public attitudes might be changed for the better. Its findings will be taken into account in the review which is to report to Ministers at the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137343,"EventID":"S1W-00333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide counselling services to people with a learning disability who have experienced abuse or harassment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide counselling services to people with a learning disability who have experienced abuse or harassment.","AnswerText":"The need for services in any particular circumstances is best assessed by authorities at a local level. In making those assessments, I would expect authorities to take account of the information mentioned in my reply to question S1W-00330 today.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137344,"EventID":"S1W-00334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle racism within the criminal justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle racism within the criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"On 20 July I will be publishing an action plan to take forward in Scotland the recommendations of the Macpherson Report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. I will also be setting up and chairing a Steering Group to ensure that progress is made on the recommendations. The Lord Advocate has already accepted some of the recommendations relevant to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and has introduced initiatives to improve racial awareness training. In addition, the Scottish Executive is committed to mainstreaming equal opportunities and tackling racism through the public sector as a whole.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137345,"EventID":"S1W-00335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the housing needs of Scotland's black and ethnic minority communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the housing needs of Scotland's black and ethnic minority communities.","AnswerText":"Tackling social exclusion is a top priority of the Scottish Executive. We believe that black and ethnic minority communities should have the same opportunities as other households in Scotland to obtain good quality, affordable housing. We will seek to ensure that they benefit fully from relevant housing programmes and initiatives.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137346,"EventID":"S1W-00336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide home based tuition for people with disabilities receiving education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide home based tuition for people with disabilities receiving education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to change the current situation whereby the provision of home-based tuition is a matter for individual educational institutions and authorities.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137347,"EventID":"S1W-00337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the benefits of bringing the funding for all post 16 education and training within one funding body, incorporating the relevant budgets of Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the benefits of bringing the funding for all post 16 education and training within one funding body, incorporating the relevant budgets of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Higher and Further Education Funding Councils, the New Deal programmes and the European Social Fund matching funds.","AnswerText":"The importance of bringing together responsibility for post-school education and training is fully recognised by the creation of a single Department within the Executive, the Enterprise and Lifelong learning Department. This Department will, in particular, have oversight for the policy, guidance and funding of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Higher and Further Education Funding Councils and for the delivery of the New Deal in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137348,"EventID":"S1W-00338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek from Her Majesty's Government a report on the incident in the Fair Isle Channel on 26 June 1999, when a tanker drifted without control for some","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to seek from Her Majesty's Government a report on the incident in the Fair Isle Channel on 26 June 1999, when a tanker drifted without control for some 17 hours before the arrival of a salvage tug.","AnswerText":"A report of the incident has been supplied by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137349,"EventID":"S1W-00339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the need to provide year round salvage tug cover for Scottish coastal waters, including a tug","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the need to provide year round salvage tug cover for Scottish coastal waters, including a tug stationed in Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a wide range of issues including matters relating to maritime safety and the marine environment.","AnswerDate":"1999-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137350,"EventID":"S1W-00340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the need to maintain all existing Scottish Coastguard Stations to ensure a fast and effective","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the need to maintain all existing Scottish Coastguard Stations to ensure a fast and effective response to marine incidents posing threats to the Scottish environment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a wide range of issues including matters relating to maritime safety and the marine environment.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137351,"EventID":"S1W-00341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the need to improve the regulation of shipping carrying ha'ardous cargoes in Scottish coastal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the need to improve the regulation of shipping carrying ha'ardous cargoes in Scottish coastal waters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a wide range of issues including matters relating to maritime safety and the marine environment.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137352,"EventID":"S1W-00342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the application of the fifth and sixth freedoms for air freight to Scottish airports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the application of the fifth and sixth freedoms for air freight to Scottish airports.","AnswerText":"International aviation agreements are a matter reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Executive is however interested in any extension of air transport liberalisation, which has potential benefits for the Scottish economy, and we will promote Scotland's case at any suitable opportunity. Sixth freedoms are not recognised by international aviation conventions and we have no plans to make representations on their application to Scottish airports.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137353,"EventID":"S1W-00343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of which public sector bodies have initiated poindings and warrant sales in each of the last 3 years in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of which public sector bodies have initiated poindings and warrant sales in each of the last 3 years in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Information is not available in the form requested. The tables set out the information which is recorded on poindings and warrant sales executed for the three years ending 1998. Poindings and Warrant Sales Executed under the Summary Warrant Procedure
| | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | Council Tax: Poinding Warrant Sale | 6,850 30 | 12,046 21 | 10,260 37 | Community Charge: Poinding Warrant Sale | 946 1 | 916 19 | 747 3 | Other Summary Warrant: Poinding Warrant Sale | 5,313 92 | 6,018 92 | 5,778 79 |
Poindings and Warrant Sales (Non-Summary Warrant Procedure)
| | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | Non-Summary Cause: Poinding Warrant Sale | 1,931 182 | 2,089 207 | 2,168 178 | Summary Cause: Effect of Tobacco Advertising on Tobacco Evidence:A Discussion Document Reviewing The Evidence'. The evidence from countries which had introduced bans indicated a significant effect. In each case, the banning of advertising was followed by a fall in smoking on a scale which could not reasonably be attributed to other anti-smoking measures in operation in these countries such as increased health education and tighter restrictions on sales of tobacco to young people.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137356,"EventID":"S1W-00346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will lay regulations before the Scottish Parliament introducing a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. The terms of the draft regulations are currently subject to UK-wide consultations. Under these proposals, the ban on tobacco advertising would come into force on 10 December this year and tobacco sponsorship in line with EU deadlines outlined in the EU Directive 98/43/EC dated 6 July 1998 The consultation period comes to an end on 13 August and Scottish regulations will be tabled shortly thereafter. A parallel set of regulations covering the rest of the UK will be laid at Westminster on a similar timescale.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137357,"EventID":"S1W-00347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement the provisions in the Water Industry Act 1999 establishing a new regime for regulating the Scottish water authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement the provisions in the Water Industry Act 1999 establishing a new regime for regulating the Scottish water authorities.","AnswerText":"We believe that the new regulatory regime set out in the Water Industry Act will best serve the interests of water customers. The Act provides for a Water Industry Commissioner with the statutory function to promote the interests of customers. The Commissioner will be a professional regulator with the duty of advising Ministers on all aspects of economic and customer regulation. The Commissioner will ensure that water customers in Scotland get the best possible deal from the water authorities on price and service. The Executive intends that the new regime will become operational on 1 November. As a first step, a notice will appear in the press shortly advertising the Commissioner's post.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137358,"EventID":"S1W-00348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it envisages that the proposed bill to abolish the feudal system of land tenure will receive Royal Assent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it envisages that the proposed bill to abolish the feudal system of land tenure will receive Royal Assent.","AnswerText":"I announced on 30 June that the Scottish Law Commission's draft Bill on the Abolition of the Feudal System would form the basis of legislation to be put to Parliament after the summer recess. It is a matter for the Parliament how the Bill should progress thereafter.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137359,"EventID":"S1W-00349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it has sought and what response it has received from Lloyds TSB regarding the continued presence of Scottish Widows headquarters in Scotland and the conti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it has sought and what response it has received from Lloyds TSB regarding the continued presence of Scottish Widows headquarters in Scotland and the continued employment in Scotland of all Scottish Widows employees.","AnswerText":"The First Minister and I met with Scottish Widows to discuss the proposed deal with Lloyds TSB. It is a matter of public record that both Lloyds TSB and Scottish Widows, through their press releases, gave assurances that their combined workforce in Scotland of more than 6,000 will be maintained should the deal between the 2 companies be completed. They have also made clear their expectation that further employment would be created in Scotland over time.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137360,"EventID":"S1W-00350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to honour the memory of Thomas Muir.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to honour the memory of Thomas Muir.","AnswerText":"While we have no specific plans for this purpose we recognise the significance of Thomas Muir in Scottish history, particularly in this the bicentenary year of his death.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137361,"EventID":"S1W-00351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding reform of the housing benefit system in Scotland and, if so, what these representations w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding reform of the housing benefit system in Scotland and, if so, what these representations will be.","AnswerText":"A number of options are being considered by Her Majesty's Government for improvements to the way in which Housing Benefit is provided. We will continue to liaise closely with the relevant Whitehall departments to ensure that Scottish interests are taken into account as policy in this area is developed. We also expect Housing Benefit issues to be included in a Green Paper to be published by the UK Government later in the year, which will provide a further opportunity for all interested parties, including the Scottish Parliament and Executive, to express their views.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137362,"EventID":"S1W-00352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government requesting that the Ministry of Defence purchase the largest possible proportion of its beef and la","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government requesting that the Ministry of Defence purchase the largest possible proportion of its beef and lamb product requirements from Scottish production.","AnswerText":"The Ministry of Defence must adhere to procurement rules in awarding contracts and is precluded from specifying the source of origin of its purchases, including beef and lamb. While requiring its contractors to seek the best price in the open market, consistent with its quality standards, the Ministry does look to buy home produced products where they are competitive. My Department keeps in touch with the Ministry on procurement issues with that in mind. Special arrangements have been made for the armed forces to access stocks of intervention beef held in cold stores throughout the UK, including stocks held in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137363,"EventID":"S1W-00353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the breakdown by local authority area of the poindings and warrant sales which have taken place in Scotland in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the breakdown by local authority area of the poindings and warrant sales which have taken place in Scotland in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"Information is not available in the form requested. The tables set out the information which is recorded on poindings and warrant sales executed for the three years ending 1998.
Poindings and Warrant Sales Executed under the Summary Warrant Procedure | | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | Council Tax: Poinding Warrant Sale | 6,850 30 | 12,046 21 | 10,260 37 |
Community Charge: Poinding Warrant Sale | 946 1 | 916 19 | 747 3 |
Other Summary Warrant: Poinding Warrant Sale | 5,313 92 | 6,018 92 | 5,778 79 |
Poindings and Warrant Sales (Non-Summary Warrant Procedure) | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | Non-Summary Cause: Poinding Warrant Sale | 1,931 182 | 2,089 207 | 2,168 178 | Summary Cause:PFI Projects; Planned and Underway Procuring Body | Project Description | Contract Signature Date Actual/ Estimated | Completion Date1 (or when payment commenced) | Total Estimated Capital Value (£m) | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Rutherglen) | Geriatric Care Beds | 03/90 | N/Known | 5 | Ayrshire & Arran Health Board (Irvine) | Geriatric Care Beds | 02/91 | N/K | 3.8 | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Darnley) | Geriatric Care Beds | 12/91 | N/K | 3.5 | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Ruchill) | Geriatric Care Beds | 01/92 | N/K | 3.3 | Greater Glasgow Health Board (Shettleston) | Geriatric Care Beds | 03/92 | N/K | 3.8 | Lanarkshire Health Board (Bellshill) | Geriatric Care Beds | 11/92 | N/K | 2.8 | Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Medical Equipment | 07/93 | N/K | 0.3 | Grampian Health Board | Mental Health Care Beds | 09/93 | N/K | 1.1 | Lothian & Forth Valley Health Boards | Clinical Waste Disposal | 10/94 | N/K | 4.5 | Northern NHS Trusts & Health Boards | Clinical Wa","AnswerDate":"1999-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137368,"EventID":"S1W-00358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state the number of new build and renovated properties which will be affected by the Housing (Right to Buy)(Cost Floor)(Scotland) Order (S.I. 1999/611).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to state the number of new build and renovated properties which will be affected by the Housing (Right to Buy)(Cost Floor)(Scotland) Order (S.I. 1999/611).","AnswerText":"The number of properties affected will depend on both the timing of decisions by individual tenants to buy their home, and the level and timing of investment in the specific property. As a result, no estimate of the number of affected properties has been made.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137369,"EventID":"S1W-00359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive the rate of interest at which it can secure borrowings from the Secretary of State and whether such borrowings can be used for investment in public service projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive the rate of interest at which it can secure borrowings from the Secretary of State and whether such borrowings can be used for investment in public service projects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers may borrow from the Secretary of State only to meet a temporary excess of sums paid out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund over sums paid into that Fund, or to provide a working balance in the Fund. The interest charged by Treasury will be dependant on the timing and duration of such borrowings.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137370,"EventID":"S1W-00360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the location of the nearest NHS Dexa scanner to residents within the Highland Council area and whether it will provide additional funding to enable a Dexa scanner","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the location of the nearest NHS Dexa scanner to residents within the Highland Council area and whether it will provide additional funding to enable a Dexa scanner and the appropriate associated staffing to be provided at Raigmore Hospital.","AnswerText":"The nearest NHS Dexa Scanner to residents of the Highland Council area is located at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. There are 5 NHS Dexa Scanners in Scotland, 2 of which are in Aberdeen. The range and type of health services made available in any area are most appropriately decided at a local level. I am not aware of any plans by Highland Health Board to fund a Dexa Scanner locally.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137371,"EventID":"S1W-00361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has regarding the provision of community legal services and what the timetable is for progressing the proposals contained in the document \"Access to Justice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has regarding the provision of community legal services and what the timetable is for progressing the proposals contained in the document \"Access to Justice: a consultation paper on civil legal aid\".","AnswerText":"I am considering the way forward on the proposals in \"Access to Justice Beyond the Year 2000\" in the light of analysis of responses to the paper and more recent developments. I hope to announce detailed plans in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137372,"EventID":"S1W-00362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates have been made of the level of use of the powers proposed to be granted to consumer bodies, including the citi'ens advice bureaux, to take legal action in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates have been made of the level of use of the powers proposed to be granted to consumer bodies, including the citi'ens advice bureaux, to take legal action in relation to unfair contract terms.","AnswerText":"None. Consumer bodies will be able to make their own decisions, taking into account the incidence of relevant problems and their own local priorities and resources. The Director General of Fair Trading will continue to be under a duty to consider all complaints he receives about the use of unfair terms.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137373,"EventID":"S1W-00363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to fund citi'ens' advice bureaux in order that they can provide services and in particular to ensure that they can exercise the powers proposed to b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to fund citi'ens' advice bureaux in order that they can provide services and in particular to ensure that they can exercise the powers proposed to be granted to them in relation to unfair contract terms.","AnswerText":"The level of support for advisory services is a matter for local authorities in the light of local needs and priorities and the resources available to them. The DTI funds the national and Scottish associations of Citizens Advice Bureaux to provide a range of central services to support the operation of local CABx.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137374,"EventID":"S1W-00364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to introduce a statutory obligation on local authorities to fund providers of free independent consumer advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to introduce a statutory obligation on local authorities to fund providers of free independent consumer advice.","AnswerText":"The level of support for consumer advice services is a matter for local authorities to consider in the light of local needs and priorities and the resources available to them. The Executive has no plans to curtail this discretion.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137375,"EventID":"S1W-00365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements for the pension rights of the new staff, as opposed to those transferring from the present Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, have been negotiated with the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements for the pension rights of the new staff, as opposed to those transferring from the present Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, have been negotiated with the company contracted to supply ancillary services to the NHS.","AnswerText":"Talks are ongoing at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh about the terms and conditions of new staff. We are impressing on all concerned that we trust that these will reach a fair and equitable conclusion.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137376,"EventID":"S1W-00366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive whether any local authority is likely to be capped this year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive whether any local authority is likely to be capped this year.","AnswerText":"No. Local authorities were issued with indicative expenditure guidelines this year. Most authorities have exercised their own discretion sensibly. Eight authorities have set budgets in excess of the guidelines, but in the case of five authorities only by a small amount. The other three authorities - Aberdeenshire, East Dunbartonshire and Perth and Kinross - have made larger increases. I met these councils with the Secretary of State for Scotland to discuss why they have made such large increases. The Secretary of State subsequently announced in the House of Commons that the authorities would not be capped, but at the meeting we did put them on warning that we will expect them to return to guideline next year. I have also asked each council to submit to me an action plan detailing what measures they intend to take to ensure that they do return to guideline next year, and they agreed to do so before the end of July.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137377,"EventID":"S1W-00367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement about future arrangements for joint working with Her Majesty's Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement about future arrangements for joint working with Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"I expect to receive soon from the UK Government drafts of a memorandum of understanding and certain supporting concordats. These documents, which will be administrative rather than statutory agreements, are intended to set out the ground rules which will govern the working relationships between the devolved administrations and the UK Government. I will consider these drafts with my colleagues. Once we have agreed their contents with the UK Government and, where necessary, the other devolved administrations, we will present them to the Scottish Parliament for its endorsement before they come into effect.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137378,"EventID":"S1W-00369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the outcome of its investigations into the Gourock to Dunoon ferry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the outcome of its investigations into the Gourock to Dunoon ferry services.","AnswerText":"In 1997 The Scottish Office commissioned consultants Deloitte & Touche to examine future options for the provision of ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon. The report was received by the Government at the end of last year. One of the options was identified late in the research and the Government commissioned additional work to explore this more fully. This has now been received and I plan to publish the reports shortly.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137379,"EventID":"S1W-00370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the proportion of NHS new building costs which are being drawn from NHS Trust Revenue Budgets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish details of the proportion of NHS new building costs which are being drawn from NHS Trust Revenue Budgets.","AnswerText":"New buildings in the NHS in Scotland are funded from public or private sector capital, not revenue budgets. The business cases published for capital projects detail the impact of these projects on Trust revenue budgets.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137380,"EventID":"S1W-00371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote participation in sport in primary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote participation in sport in primary schools.","AnswerText":"Lottery funding of £2.1m over 3 years has been earmarked to make the TOP Play TOP Sport programmes available to all primary schools. This package can be used to enhance existing sports and physical activity programmes.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137381,"EventID":"S1W-00372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland of the proposed greenhouse gas emission tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide an estimate of the impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland of the proposed greenhouse gas emission tax.","AnswerText":"The UK Government is considering responses to consultation on the proposed Climate Change Levy, which is a reserved matter. They are also holding discussions with energy intensive sectors, including the paper industry, on possible agreements to give rebates of the levy for energy efficiency measures. I will consider carefully any potential impact on employment in the paper industry in Scotland following the outcome of these two processes.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137382,"EventID":"S1W-00373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider the widespread demand for a review of accident and emergency services in the Edinburgh area before the accident and emergency unit at the R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consider the widespread demand for a review of accident and emergency services in the Edinburgh area before the accident and emergency unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh moves to Little France, more than doubling the distance from north and west Edinburgh and Leith.","AnswerText":"The configuration of accident and emergency services in Edinburgh is a matter for Lothian Health Board. Ministers have received reassurances that the provision is appropriate. Accessibility of accident and emergency services will be an ongoing priority for Lothian Health Board.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137383,"EventID":"S1W-00374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to extend social inclusion provision in West Dumbartonshire, given that this area has the highest claimant count unemployment in Scotland an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to extend social inclusion provision in West Dumbartonshire, given that this area has the highest claimant count unemployment in Scotland and the lowest percentage of VAT registered businesses in the UK.","AnswerText":"We are already supporting a Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) in West Dunbartonshire with core funding of more than £6m over 3 years. West Dunbartonshire is also benefiting from the wide range of national Government programmes to promote social inclusion, such as the New Deal and New Community Schools.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137384,"EventID":"S1W-00375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve services for people with a learning disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve services for people with a learning disability.","AnswerText":"A major review of social and health care services for people with a learning disability is underway. It will report in December.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137385,"EventID":"S1W-00376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the criteria under which proposed rural school closures are referred to Scottish Ministers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the criteria under which proposed rural school closures are referred to Scottish Ministers.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137386,"EventID":"S1W-00377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the number of students enrolled at further education colleges in Scotland in 1997-98.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the number of students enrolled at further education colleges in Scotland in 1997-98.","AnswerText":"There were 411,408 student enrolments on courses in Scotland's further education colleges in 1997-98. For the future, the Government has promised funding for an additional 40,000 places in FE colleges over the next 3 years.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137387,"EventID":"S1W-00378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to invite the Scottish film industry to propose measures which the Executive may implement to help the industry to develop and prosper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to invite the Scottish film industry to propose measures which the Executive may implement to help the industry to develop and prosper.","AnswerText":"The Scottish film industry will be able to put forward proposals during our consultations on the national cultural strategy.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137388,"EventID":"S1W-00379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the continuing professional development of teachers in Scottish schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the continuing professional development of teachers in Scottish schools.","AnswerText":"Ministers are committed to supporting teachers through a structured programme of continuing professional development. CPD is a key means of raising standards in schools. We shall announce our proposals shortly.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137389,"EventID":"S1W-00380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the impact of Social Inclusion Partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the impact of Social Inclusion Partnerships.","AnswerText":"We shall be monitoring the progress of Social Inclusion Partnerships against the targets and indicators set for each partnership.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137390,"EventID":"S1W-00381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote information technology in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote information technology in schools.","AnswerText":"£100 million for IT resources has been allocated over the next 3 years, supported by £23 million for training from the New Opportunities Fund. We will announce details soon of a scheme to help teachers buy computers.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137391,"EventID":"S1W-00382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on its assessment of the performance of the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on its assessment of the performance of the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to providing a modern, high quality, efficient health service. We will report regularly on our achievements.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137392,"EventID":"S1W-00383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide details of the reduction in crew hours per annum required of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency now that 6,000 square miles of previou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide details of the reduction in crew hours per annum required of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency now that 6,000 square miles of previously SFPA patrolled seas have fallen under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Royal Navy, which patrols English waters, and what effect, if any, that reduction will have on employment of SFPA crews.","AnswerText":"The area in question represents a very small proportion of the total area patrolled by vessels of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. Neither is it an area of prolific fishing activity. Consequently it does not require a substantial surveillance effort from the Agency. It therefore follows that a change in the enforcement arrangements for this area will not be reflected in the level of resources of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137393,"EventID":"S1W-00384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available copies of all correspondence it has had with the North of Scotland Water Authority regarding the implementation of the Urban Waste Water Tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available copies of all correspondence it has had with the North of Scotland Water Authority regarding the implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and whether it will seek and make available details of any correspondence which Her Majesty's Government has had with the North of Scotland Water Authority on the same topic.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not had any correspondence with the Chairman of the North of Scotland Water Authority regarding the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. We have no plans to seek details of correspondence on this topic which Her Majesty's Government has had with the water authority.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137394,"EventID":"S1W-00385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering designating the sea around Fair Isle as a Marine Special Protection Area, or creating a statutory exclusion 'one round the island into which ves","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering designating the sea around Fair Isle as a Marine Special Protection Area, or creating a statutory exclusion 'one round the island into which vessels carrying ha'ardous cargoes may not sail.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not yet received advice from its statutory nature conservation advisers on the identification of areas appropriate for classification as marine Special Protection Areas under the EC Wild Birds Directive 79/409/EEC. Maritime safety and related issues are reserved functions. The Scottish Executive is aware that guidance by the International Maritime Organisation sets out recommended routes in the Fair Isle Channel for ships carrying hazardous cargo. I understand that the UK Government keeps these matters under constant review, and that they are analysing the UK coastline with a view to consulting in due course about marine environmental high risk areas to help inform policy on protective measures such as routeing systems for ships.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137395,"EventID":"S1W-00386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the impact of the Financial Services and Markets Bill on Scottish Friendly Societies, in part","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the impact of the Financial Services and Markets Bill on Scottish Friendly Societies, in particular the Braemar Royal Highland Society and the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, and, if so, whether these representations will include a request that the Bill be amended to reduce the costs and charges for which such societies will be liable.","AnswerText":"The Financial Services and Markets Bill will set clear statutory objectives for the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The Bill imposes on the FSA a duty to ensure that the level of fees which it sets are efficient and economical and that the burdens it imposes are proportionate to the benefit to consumers. Clause 125 of the Bill imposes a requirement for the FSA to consult on proposals to make rules, including rules in relation to the FSA's fees. Individual Friendly Societies will therefore be able to make representations direct to the FSA if they were concerned about the level of fees.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137396,"EventID":"S1W-00387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding exempting senior citi'ens in Scotland from payment of the television licence fee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding exempting senior citi'ens in Scotland from payment of the television licence fee.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137397,"EventID":"S1W-00388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted by Her Majesty's Government about the appointment of a new National Governor for Scotland of the BBC and, if so, whether its response referr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted by Her Majesty's Government about the appointment of a new National Governor for Scotland of the BBC and, if so, whether its response referred to candidates' acknowledged political affiliations as a reason to (a) prefer or (b) reject them.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have been consulted about the appointment of the BBC Scottish Governor. The political activities of candidates are declared during the appointments process. The criterion for recommending candidates is their suitability for the particular appointment.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137398,"EventID":"S1W-00389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish schools have a sports co-ordinator and how many do not.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish schools have a sports co-ordinator and how many do not.","AnswerText":"I announced on 7 June the first tranche of Lottery Sports Fund awards to five local authorities for the appointment of co-ordinators in 87 secondary schools. The announcement followed a highly successful pilot programme and the intention is to have a co-ordinator appointed in all of Scotland's remaining 367 secondary schools by 2003.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137399,"EventID":"S1W-00390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Scottish schools which employ a sports co-ordinator employ this person for (a) one (b) two (c) three (d) four and (e) five days per week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Scottish schools which employ a sports co-ordinator employ this person for (a) one (b) two (c) three (d) four and (e) five days per week.","AnswerText":"Awards from the Lottery Sports Fund are matched by local authorities and fund the employment of a co-ordinator for one day per week. The pilot programme has highlighted that this arrangement has been very successful. Local authorities or schools are, however, able to expand the time commitment of co-ordinators if they wish to do so. Indeed, this has happened at Banchory Academy (3 days) and Portobello High School (2 days).","AnswerDate":"1999-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137400,"EventID":"S1W-00391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the complement of specialist teachers of physical education and music in primary and secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the complement of specialist teachers of physical education and music in primary and secondary schools.","AnswerText":"We work closely with education authorities and other bodies to ensure that there is an adequate supply of teachers to meet the needs of schools in Scotland. The deployment of teachers within schools is a matter for education authorities.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137401,"EventID":"S1W-00392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish, as a matter of urgency, a task force to support and co-ordinate medical treatment and care for gulf war veterans in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish, as a matter of urgency, a task force to support and co-ordinate medical treatment and care for gulf war veterans in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are already in place for Gulf War Veterans in Scotland. The clinical needs of veterans in Scotland are assessed by their doctor. Should concerns exist that the patient's health may have been affected by service with the armed forces in the Gulf, he or she can be referred to the Ministry of Defence's Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) for further investigation and diagnosis. Patients referred to the MAP are given a full medical examination together with a range of physical tests; investigations routinely conducted for all patients include urinalysis, haematological, biochemical, biological and serological tests, ultrasound scan of the abdomen and electrocardiography. These tests are carried out on the day of the appointment and take approximately 4 hours. Additional investigations and /or referrals to other consultants or specialists may be required; this is decided either during the initial appointment or in follow-up consultations if deemed necessary. The MAP itself does not provide treatment; its role is to assess patients and recommend treatment as appropriate. Any recommendations for treatment are passed on to the patient's GP; it is then for the individual doctor to arrange treatment through the National Health Service and to monitor the patient's health as he or she would for any other patient. In the case of a veteran who is still serving, recommendations for treatment would be passed to the unit medical officer and treatment arranged through the Defence Medical Services.The cost of the patient's travel to the MAP (within the UK) is met by the MOD as are accommodation costs where necessary.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137402,"EventID":"S1W-00393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider responding to the withdrawal of entitlement to benefits during the summer from low paid workers in schools and colleges by making arrangements fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider responding to the withdrawal of entitlement to benefits during the summer from low paid workers in schools and colleges by making arrangements for holiday payments to affected workers within its areas of responsibility.","AnswerText":"As independent corporate bodies it is for individual local authorities and further education colleges to determine the pay and conditions of employment of their employees and the Scottish Executive has no locus to intervene. Their eligibility for benefit is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the Department of Social Security which, I understand, is aware of the situation.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137403,"EventID":"S1W-00394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when arrangements for MSPs to have use of pre-postage-paid envelopes for constituency business will be finalised.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when arrangements for MSPs to have use of pre-postage-paid envelopes for constituency business will be finalised.","AnswerText":"The SPCB are to be invited to consider at their next meeting the arrangements surrounding the issue of pre-postage paid envelopes to MSPs for constituency business. A paper will be tabled at that meeting, scheduled for 6 August, which will outline the options available. In the interim, rolls of stamps will continue to be available from the Mail Room in Parliament Headquarters for MSPs use in their constituencies.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137404,"EventID":"S1W-00395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish an independent legal inquiry to investigate (a) the award of a contract to construct the Skye bridge under the Public Finance Initiative a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish an independent legal inquiry to investigate (a) the award of a contract to construct the Skye bridge under the Public Finance Initiative and (b) the toll order on the Skye bridge.","AnswerText":"Partnership For Scotland commits the Scottish Executive to review the effects of the reductions to discounted tolls on the Bridge made in 1998 and to freeze the tolls at their current levels in cash terms for the remainder of the contract. These measures give direct benefit to users. We do not intend to establish an inquiry into the issues referred to, but I draw Mr Munro's attention to the detailed examinations already carried out by the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137405,"EventID":"S1W-00396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many Health Board areas patients who are awaiting orthodontic treatment are now being placed on hospital waiting lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many Health Board areas patients who are awaiting orthodontic treatment are now being placed on hospital waiting lists.","AnswerText":"Most orthodontic treatments carried out within the Hospital and Community Health Service settings are undertaken on an outpatient basis and information on the number of patients waiting for such treatment is not held centrally. Information on waiting lists is collected centrally for hospital inpatients and day cases. The Scottish Executive is committed to set and monitor targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times. We plan to ensure that this commitment extends to outpatients as well as inpatient and day case treatment and will consult widely before targets are set. These targets will be closely monitored and will be published.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137406,"EventID":"S1W-00397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orthodontic consultants are employed in each Health Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orthodontic consultants are employed in each Health Board area.","AnswerText":"The information available is shown in the table: Consultants in Orthodontics by Health Board (Headcount Totals) | | 1997 | 1998p | Scotland¹ | 23 | 24 | | | | | Ayrshire & Arran | 2 | 2 | Borders | 1 | 1 | Argyll & Clyde | 2 | 2 | Fife | 1 | 1 | Greater Glasgow | 5 | 4 | Highland | 2 | 2 | Lanarkshire | 2 | 3 | Grampian | 1 | 1 | Orkney | - | - | Lothian | 2 | 2 | Tayside | 2 | 3 | Forth Valley | 2 | 2 | Western Isles | - | - | Dumfries & Galloway | 1 | 1 | Shetland | - | - |
p Data for 1998 are provisional ¹ No orthodontic Consultants hold contracts in more than one Health Board area.Source: Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137407,"EventID":"S1W-00398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is its target number of orthodontic consultants in each Health Board area and on what basis such targets are set.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is its target number of orthodontic consultants in each Health Board area and on what basis such targets are set.","AnswerText":"There are no target numbers set by the NHS for Consultant Orthodontic services in any Health Board or region in Scotland. The geography of Scotland, the distribution of its population and the variability of the population's oral health needs make a blanket quota system inappropriate.It is for each Health Board to address the needs of the population in its area through its Health Improvement Programme. The Oral Health Strategy gives Health Boards the framework to do this.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137408,"EventID":"S1W-00399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area were in residential care homes in each of the last five years and were aged (a) 60 to 64 years; (b) 65 to 74 years; (c) 75 to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area were in residential care homes in each of the last five years and were aged (a) 60 to 64 years; (b) 65 to 74 years; (c) 75 to 84 years; and (d) 85 years and over.","AnswerText":"The tables show the age breakdown of residents in homes for older people by council for each of the last four available years. Figures for 1998 are due to be published on August 25th. Residential Care for Older People 1994 | Age Bands | Council | 60-64 | 65-74 | 75-84 | 85 and over | Total | Aberdeen City | 4 | 54 | 235 | 397 | 690 | Aberdeenshire | 3 | 52 | 212 | 300 | 567 | Angus | 5 | 31 | 210 | 317 | 563 | Argyll & Bute | 13 | 61 | 225 | 304 | 603 | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 3 | 13 | 18 | 34 | | <","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137409,"EventID":"S1W-00400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in residential care homes in each of the last five years were funded by (a) the local authority on a means tested basis; (b) the individuals themselves; a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in residential care homes in each of the last five years were funded by (a) the local authority on a means tested basis; (b) the individuals themselves; and (c) the Department of Social Security through preserved rights; and what were the figures for people aged (i) 60 to 64 years; (ii) 65 to 74 years; (iii) 75 to 84 years; and (iv) 85 years and over.","AnswerText":"The tables show how older people in residential care homes in Scotland were funded in each of the last four years available and categorised by age bands. Information for 1998 will be published on August 25th. Age and Funding (1) of residents in residential care homes for older people at 31 March 1995 Funding | Age Bands | Total | | | 60-64 | 65-74 | 75-84 | 85 and over | | LA on means tested basis | 17 | 137 | 488 | 605 | 1,247 | Individuals themselves | 14 | 107 | 690 | 1,473 | 2,284 | DSS through preserved rights | 25 | 276 | 884 | 1,541 | 2,726 | Unknown | 11 | 114 | 353 | 530 | 1,008 | Total in Private and Voluntary Homes | 67 | 634 | 2,415 | 4,149 | 7,265 | Residents in LA Homes | 73 | 847 | The Scottish Executive is committed to set and monitor targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times. We plan to ensure that this commitment extends to outpatients as well as inpatient and day case treatment. The views of the NHS in Scotland and the general public will be sought before targets are set. These targets will be closely monitored and will be published.
NHS in Scotland: Median Wait For First Outpatient Appointment2 Following General Medical/General Dental Practitioner Referral Date | Median Wait (Days) | 31 March 1997 | 75 | 30 June 1997 | 83 | 30 September 1997 | 85 | 31 December 1997 | 85 | 31 March 1998 | 82 | 30 June 1998 | 91 | 30 September 1998 | 90 | 31 December 1998p | 86 | 31 March 1999p | 63 |
p Provisional2 Excludes A&E and genito urinary medicine. Also excludes cases with a Patient's Charter guarantee exception code.Source ISD Scotland","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137411,"EventID":"S1W-00402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients have been waiting over 12 months for their NHS operation and for a breakdown (a) by health board; and (b) by quarter-year from 30 March 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients have been waiting over 12 months for their NHS operation and for a breakdown (a) by health board; and (b) by quarter-year from 30 March 1997.","AnswerText":"The number of patients with a Patient's Charter guarantee who waited over 12 months for inpatient and day case treatment, by Health Board area, on the dates requested, is provided in the table. The Scottish Executive is committed to set and monitor targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times and we will consult widely before targets are set. These will be closely monitored and will be published. NHS in Scotland: Number of Patients With A Patient's Charter Guarantee Who Waited More Than 12 Months For Inpatient and Day Case Treatment
Health Board of Residence | 31 Mar 1997 | 30 June 1997 | 30 Sept 1997 | 31 Dec 1997 | 31 Mar 1998 | 30 June 1998 | 30 Sept 1998 | 31 Dec 1998 | 31 Mar 1999 | Argyll and Clyde | 2 | 26 | 21 | 5 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | Ayrshire and Arran | 15 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | Borders | - | - | 1 | 1 | NHS Hospitals in Scotland - Intensive Care and Other Acute Beds By Hospital As At 31 March 1999p | | Average Available Staffed Beds | | | Intensive Care(1) | Other Acute(2) | Argyll & Clyde Health Board Area | | | Campbeltown Hospital | - | 19 | Dunoon & District General Hospital | - | 50 | Helensburgh Victoria Infirmary | - | 6 | Inverclyde Royal Hospital | 15 | 306 | Islay Hospital | - | 24 | Lorn & Islands DGH, Oban | - | 67 | Mid Argyll Hospital | - | 15 | Rothesay Victoria Hospital | - | 20 | Royal Alexandra Hospital | 10 | 419 | Vale of Leven District General Hospital | - | 138 | | | | | | ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137413,"EventID":"S1W-00404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full time equivalent (a) bank; (b) agency; and (c) contract nurses were employed, and at what cost, by each health board area in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full time equivalent (a) bank; (b) agency; and (c) contract nurses were employed, and at what cost, by each health board area in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The information available for agency nursing staff is shown in the table. No cost data to match the staff numbers is available. Information for bank and contract nursing staff is not available centrally. The use of bank and agency nurses is currently subject to review in line with the Executive's commitment to ensure that the NHS in Scotland promotes employment practices which support and value staff and promote patient care. Agency nursing staff: average whole time equivalent 1 by health board; Year ending 30 September | Health Board | 1988 2 | 1989 2 | 1990 2 | 1991 2 | 1992 2 | 1993 2 | 1994 2 | 1995 2 | 1996 2 | 1997 2,r | 1998 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total - All staff 3 | 195.5 | 211.5 | 266.1 | 247.4 | 279.2 | 301.1 | 195.3 | 382.6 | 459.3 | 455.7 | 537.5 | | | NHS in Scotland - Average Available Staffed Beds Years Ending 31 March 1995 - 1999
| | Acute1 | Geriatric2 | Psychiatric3 | Learning Disabilities | Obstetrics | Year Ending 31 March 1995 | | | | | | Argyll and Clyde | 1,198 | 949 | 1,092 | 234 | 137 | Ayrshire and Arran | 1,075 | 600 | 658 | 134 | 109 | Borders | 339 | 210 | 239 | 6 | 28 | Dumfries and Galloway | 405 | 314 | 382 | 81 | 44 | Fife | 774 | 615 | 684 | 303 | 79 | Forth Valley | 592 | The Scottish Executive is committed to set and monitor targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times. We plan to ensure that this commitment extends to outpatients as well as inpatient and day case treatment and we will consult widely before targets are set. These targets will be closely monitored and will be published. NHS in Scotland: Median Wait For First Outpatient Appointment1 Following General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner Referral, By Specialty
Specialty | 31 Mar 1997 | 30 June 1997 | 30 Sept 1997 | 31 Dec 1997 | 31 Mar 1998 | 30 June 1998 | 30 Sept 1998 | 31 Dec 1998p | 31 Mar 1999p | Adolescent Psychiatry | 71 | 73 | 50 | 64 | 63 | 77 | 45 | 51 | 39 | Anaesthetic | 127 | 129 | 135 | 132 | 132NHS in Scotland: Cancellations Of Hospital Admissions1 By Health Board: Quarters Ending 31 March 1997 To 31 March 1999 Health Board | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | | | 31 Mar 1997 | 30 June 1997 | 30 Sept 1997 | 31 Dec 1997 | 31 Mar 1998 | 30 June 1998 | 30 Sept 1998p | 31 Dec 1998p | 31 Mar 1999p | | | | | | | | | | | | Argyll and Clyde | 231 | 231 | 134 | 108 | 201 | 242 | 192 | 172 | 222 | Ayrshire and Arran | 44 | 49 | 49 | 45 | 98","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137417,"EventID":"S1W-00408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients (a) in each health board area; and (b) nationally, were detained past their original discharge date in NHS beds before moving to social service beds in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients (a) in each health board area; and (b) nationally, were detained past their original discharge date in NHS beds before moving to social service beds in the last year for which figures are available; and whether it will estimate the cost of delayed discharges to the NHS.","AnswerText":"Health Boards have not previously been required to submit information routinely on delayed discharges. However, a pilot data collection exercise started in April 1999 to collect information based on an agreed national standard definition, reasons for delay and data recording for delayed discharge. The first provisional data under this initiative should be available at the end of this month.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137418,"EventID":"S1W-00409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes unfit for human habitation there are in each local authority area and what plans it has to reduce the number.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes unfit for human habitation there are in each local authority area and what plans it has to reduce the number.","AnswerText":"The statutory measure of basic house condition in Scotland is the Tolerable Standard. It does not make mention of fitness for human habitation. Local authorities submit estimates of the number of below tolerable standard houses in their areas at 31 March each year. These estimates are published by the Scottish Executive. The most recent are for 31 March 1998 and are set out in statistical bulletin number HSG/1999/1, copies of which have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Local authorities are responsible for dealing with below tolerable standard houses, and this is one of the four national priorities for housing investment in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137419,"EventID":"S1W-00410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are claiming housing benefit in each local authority area in the current financial year; and what were the figures for the same period in (a) 1974; (b) 19","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are claiming housing benefit in each local authority area in the current financial year; and what were the figures for the same period in (a) 1974; (b) 1979; (c) 1988; and (d) 1996.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected by the Scottish Executive. However, information supplied by the Department of Social Security is published in the Scottish Office Statistical Bulletin (Housing Series). The most recent information, relating to the number of recipients of Housing Benefit in the financial year 1997-98, is given in the Housing Trends Quarterly Bulletin published in March 1999 (HSG/1999/1). Information for 1996/97 is also given in the relevant Quarterly Bulletin (HSG/1997/7). Information for 1988 is not available from this source and the Housing Benefit scheme had not been established in 1974 or 1979.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137420,"EventID":"S1W-00411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what are the total capital receipts arising from the sale of council houses since 1979 for each local authority in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what are the total capital receipts arising from the sale of council houses since 1979 for each local authority in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Information for the financial years 1990-91 to 1997-98, as reported by local authorities, is given in the tables. Information for the earlier years is not readily available. Table 1 Total Capital Receipts - Council House Sales 1990/91 - 1995/96 | | | | | | | £000s | | Total Receipts | 1 | | | | | | 1990-91 | 1991-92 | 1992-93 | 1993-94 | 1994-95 | 1995-96 | | | | | | | | | Scotland | 266,958 | 245,997 | 269,721 | 246,794 | 261,993 | 203,401 | | | | | | | | | Orkney | 554 | 864 | 1,106 | 560 | 576 | 0 | Shetland | 463 | 660 | 863 | 1,137 | 1,271 | 1,249 | The Scottish Executive is committed to set and monitor targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times. We plan to ensure that this commitment extends to outpatients as well as inpatient and day case treatment and we will consult widely before targets are set. These targets will be closely monitored and will be published. NHS in Scotland: First Outpatient Appointment Waiting Time Guarantees By Specialty And Health Board For 1999/2000Health Board | ENT | Orthopaedic | General Surgery | Ophthalmology | Gynaecology | | | Weeks | Weeks | Weeks | Weeks | Weeks | Argyll and Clyde | 14 (20)1 | 15(20)1 | 10 (20)1 | 12 (15)1 | 8 (15)1 | Ayrshire and Arran | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | Borders | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | Dumfries and Galloway | 9 | 18 | The Scottish Executive is committed to set and monitor targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times. We plan to ensure that this commitment extends to outpatients as well as inpatient and day case treatment and will consult widely before targets are set. These targets will be closely monitored and will be published. NHS in Scotland: Median Wait For First Outpatient Appointment1 Following General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner Referral At 31 March 1999p
Health Board | Median Wait (Days) | | | Argyll and Clyde | 49 | Ayrshire and Arran | 55 | Borders | 59 | Dumfries and Galloway | 49 | Fife | 72 | Forth Valley | 66 | Grampian | 72 | Greater Glasgow | 62 | Highland | 58 | Lanarkshire | 66 | Lothian | 55 | Orkney | 35 | Shetland | 51 | Tayside | 63 | W","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137425,"EventID":"S1W-00417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are employed in each force area for the current financial year and what were the equivalent figures in each of the past eight years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are employed in each force area for the current financial year and what were the equivalent figures in each of the past eight years.","AnswerText":"The information is shown in the table. Number of Police Officers ![](\"Image1.gif\") What these figures do not show is the huge increase in support staff over this period when numbers rose from 3,404 in March 1992 to 4,661 in March 1999 an increase of 37%.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137426,"EventID":"S1W-00418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers in each force area are normally available for duty on the beat during the current financial year and what were the equivalent figures for each of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers in each force area are normally available for duty on the beat during the current financial year and what were the equivalent figures for each of the past eight years.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in the form requested. The deployment of officers is entirely a matter for Chief Constables but the vast majority of police officers in all forces are involved in operational duties.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137427,"EventID":"S1W-00419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged over 18 are enrolled in adult education courses in each local authority area for the academic year of 1999/2000 and what were the equivalent figures ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged over 18 are enrolled in adult education courses in each local authority area for the academic year of 1999/2000 and what were the equivalent figures for each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally on enrolment rates in adult education courses in the form requested. Information is available on community education provision for 1995/6 and 1996/7. This information is not available at local authority level and does not distinguish between formal courses and more informal provision. The total attendance at courses and informal provision was estimated to be around 250,000 in each of the two years.My Department is currently working on a new model for collecting community education statistics. This will be more precise and will take account of the recommendations of the Report "Communities: Change Through Learning" and EID Circular 4/99.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137428,"EventID":"S1W-00420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are enrolled in (a) part time; and (b) full time further education courses during the academic year of 1999/2000; and what were the equivalent figures for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are enrolled in (a) part time; and (b) full time further education courses during the academic year of 1999/2000; and what were the equivalent figures for each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"Enrolment figures are not yet available for the year 1999-2000. The table details student enrolments on vocational further education courses in further and higher education institutions in Scotland between 1994-95 and 1997-98, the latest year for which information is available. Data prior to 1994-95 is not available on a comparable basis. Comprehensive data for enrolments on non-vocational courses is not available; accordingly the data shown relates only to vocational further education courses. | | | 1994-95 | 1995-96 | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | TOTAL | Total | 187,529 | 222,898 | 269,497 | 285,330 | | | Full-time | 30,643 | 31,018 | 33,886 | 35,833 | | | Part-time | 156,886 | 191,880 | 235,611 | 249,497 | | | | | | | | FE Institutions | Total | 187,242 | 222,654 | 269,078 | 284,965 | | | Full-time | 30,454 | 30,916 | 33,799 | 35,750 | | | Part-time | 156,788 | Updated figures are published each month by the Office for National Statistics in the Labour Market statistics first release for Scotland. In future, the information will be available on the NOMIS database in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Information Centre staff will, if necessary, be ready to assist in accessing similar figures. Claimant count unemployed by Gender and Scottish Parliamentary Constituency | Scotland, May 1996, May 1997, May 1998, May 1999 | | All | Males | Females | Parliamentary Constituency | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Aberdeen Central | 2,545 | 1,978 | 1,476 | ESTIMATE OF THE NUMBER OF GRANT ELIGIBLE CHILDREN WHO WILL PARTICIPATE IN PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION (AUTUMN AND SPRING TERM - 1999-2000 ACADEMIC YEAR)1 Local Authority | Estimated number of eligible pre-school year children - 1999/00 2 | Local authority provisional estimate of pre-school year children with pre-school education places - autumn and spring terms | Estimated number of eligible 3 year old children 1999/002 | Local Authority provisional estimate of 3 year old children with pre-school education place 3 &4 | | | | | autumn term | spring term | Aberdeen City | 2,329 | 2,037 | 2,332 | 1,195 | 1,408 | Aberdeenshire | 2,707 | 2,650 | 2,668 | 800 | 1,200 | Angus | 1,250 | 1,125 | 1,235 | 364 | 572 | Argyll and Bute | 952 | 957 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-2002 | £3,523,000 | £4,024,000 | £4,533,000 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137437,"EventID":"S1W-00432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will urgently instruct Scotland's National Galleries to co-operate speedily and completely with those investigating the provenance of works of art in order to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will urgently instruct Scotland's National Galleries to co-operate speedily and completely with those investigating the provenance of works of art in order to identify any items possibly stolen by the Na'is from Jewish owners during or immediately before the Second World War.","AnswerText":"Care of the collections of the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) is a statutory function of the Board of Trustees. However, the Government has asked the UK national institutions to investigate their collections to establish whether any objects may have been looted during World War II and the Nazi period. This exercise is being led and co-ordinated by the UK National Museum Directors' ConferenceIn accordance with the Statement of Principles and Proposed Actions issued by the Conference, the NGS drew up an action plan for examining their collections. From the 150,000 works in the collections, some 40,000 were identified as having been acquired from 1933 onwards. Further investigation has identified a substantial number of items with incomplete provenance, but this does not necessarily mean that these items were spoliated during World War II and the Nazi period. Research into the provenance of these items is continuing as a matter of urgency and the NGS will publish the results as soon as possible. I understand that the Conference is satisfied with the NGS action plan and the progress being made in examining the collections. I appreciate the concerns of those with an interest in works of art which were looted during the Nazi period, but the responsible course is to investigate the provenance of objects as quickly and thoroughly as possible before publishing information on them.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137438,"EventID":"S1W-00433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when there will be one or more Gaelic officers appointed in the Scottish Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when there will be one or more Gaelic officers appointed in the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"There are currently 2 members of staff in the Scottish Parliament with a knowledge of Gaelic. There are also a number of staff in the process of undertaking training in the language. Training in Gaelic is available to all staff along with other world languages. The Parliament also has access to translation and interpretation services in Gaelic (among other languages) through contracts with language organisations.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137439,"EventID":"S1W-00434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many \"Gaelic essential\" posts in the Scottish Parliament have been or will be advertised.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many \"Gaelic essential\" posts in the Scottish Parliament have been or will be advertised.","AnswerText":"There are currently no posts in the Scottish Parliament which have been identified as being "Gaelic essential". The SPCB looks to encourage all staff to develop their skills including languages and training in Gaelic is available for those with an interest. Should a post be identified in the future where knowledge of Gaelic is considered essential then it will be advertised accordingly.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137440,"EventID":"S1W-00435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the value of the increase in land and property prices in Edinburgh between 1996 and 1998 compared to the Retail Price Index (RPI); what the value of this difference w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the value of the increase in land and property prices in Edinburgh between 1996 and 1998 compared to the Retail Price Index (RPI); what the value of this difference was to the company contracted to build the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh; and why the value of the contract awarded to the company was linked to the RPI over this period.","AnswerText":"The Retail Price Index increased by 6.9% from 1996 to 1998. There is no generally accepted authoritative index for the movement in land prices in Edinburgh or nationally. The movement in residential property prices is monitored by various bodies but normally on an all-Scotland basis and again no single generally accepted index is available. Given also that there is no agreed correlation between land and house prices it was concluded that the most reliable basis for indexing price change was the Retail Price Index.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137441,"EventID":"S1W-00436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to discuss Scotland's performance in the Marine Conservation Society's survey of beaches and other such surveys with the Scottish Tourist Board, the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to discuss Scotland's performance in the Marine Conservation Society's survey of beaches and other such surveys with the Scottish Tourist Board, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, water authorities or any other agencies.","AnswerText":"We are actively seeking to improve the standards of our bathing waters. One of our targets is that all Scotland's beaches will meet clean water standards by 2005.To help achieve this, over the coming months we shall be encouraging partnership approaches such as that taken by the South Ayrshire Council, the West of Scotland Water Authority and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in relation to the problem of west coast bathing water standards. We shall continue to explore with the water authorities, SEPA and others what can be done to improve bathing water compliance. These discussions will take account of such surveys as that conducted by the Marine Conservation Society.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137442,"EventID":"S1W-00437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase the resources available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for testing the water quality of Scotland's beaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase the resources available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for testing the water quality of Scotland's beaches.","AnswerText":"Government has identified 60 bathing waters in Scotland. These identifications under EC Directive 76/160/EEC (The Bathing Water Directive) provide protection for both the environment and public health and require the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to carry out sampling in accordance with the Bathing Waters (Classification) (Scotland) Regulations 1991. I am satisfied that it has sufficient resources to allow it to perform this statutory function. SEPA also has a general duty under section 34 of the Environment Act 1995 to promote the cleanliness of the tidal waters of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137443,"EventID":"S1W-00438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive whether in the light of the review of the funding of area tourist boards announced by the Deputy Minister for Highland and Islands and Gaelic on 24 Jun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive whether in the light of the review of the funding of area tourist boards announced by the Deputy Minister for Highland and Islands and Gaelic on 24 June 1999, it will provide details of the review's remit, who will be involved in the review process and when the outcome will be published.","AnswerText":"I intend to write to all those who have an interest in how Area Tourist Boards are funded seeking their views. I will place a copy of our consultation letter in the Parliament's library.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137444,"EventID":"S1W-00439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bodies it intends to involve in the recruitment process for the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland and specifically whether it intends to involve the Parliame","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bodies it intends to involve in the recruitment process for the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland and specifically whether it intends to involve the Parliament in this process.","AnswerText":"Under the Water Industry Act 1999, it is for the Scottish Executive to appoint the Commissioner. The Executive will make the appointment in full accordance with the principles in the Code of Practice for Public Appointments. This means the Commissioner will be appointed on the basis of merit following an open recruitment exercise. An independent assessor will be closely involved in the exercise to ensure that all candidates are treated equally and their suitability for the post judged against the same criteria.No other bodies will be involved in the exercise. The Parliament's role will be to hold the Executive to account for the appointment. Subsequently, the Parliament will be able to hold the Commissioner to account for the manner in which he or she discharges the functions of the post, including the general function to promote the interests of water customers.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137445,"EventID":"S1W-00440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the membership of each Water Industry Consultative Committee will be announced and what criteria will be used in appointing members.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the membership of each Water Industry Consultative Committee will be announced and what criteria will be used in appointing members.","AnswerText":"Under the Water Industry Act 1999 the Water Industry Commissioner will appoint members to the three Water Industry Consultative Committees. The Scottish Executive expects the Commissioner to take up his or her appointment on 1 November, and to appoint Committee members as soon as possible after that date.The Commissioner in making these appointments will take into account guidance from the Executive, which will cover the detailed role of the Consultative Committees, and the principles to be observed in recruiting members of the Committees. The guidance will be published.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137446,"EventID":"S1W-00441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the change of name from The Scottish Office to The Scottish Executive is estimated to cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the change of name from The Scottish Office to The Scottish Executive is estimated to cost.","AnswerText":"The main costs are associated with changing the signage on buildings. Other costs include revising the corporate identity on uniforms, headed stationery, publications and redesigning our Internet and Intranet sites. Full and final costs are not yet available but are likely to amount to less than £60,000 in total. This will be offset by improvements in efficiency and small ongoing savings in the region of £17,000 per annum by moving to self printing of headed paper.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137447,"EventID":"S1W-00442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in the light of the ongoing review of Minerals Policy Guidance 6 in England and Wales it intends to review National Policy Guidance 4 in relation to use of land f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether in the light of the ongoing review of Minerals Policy Guidance 6 in England and Wales it intends to review National Policy Guidance 4 in relation to use of land for mineral working and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Revised guidance on opencast coal was published in March 1999. This replaced paragraph 74-78 of NPPG 4. As with all planning guidance, the remainder of NPPG 4 will be kept under review although there are no plans at present to update the non-coal aspects of the guidance.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137448,"EventID":"S1W-00443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the development of superquarries prior to a decision being taken regarding the development of a superquarry at Lingerbay on the Isle of Harri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the development of superquarries prior to a decision being taken regarding the development of a superquarry at Lingerbay on the Isle of Harris.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137449,"EventID":"S1W-00444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times have the Deputy First Minister and the Lord Advocate met to discuss policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times have the Deputy First Minister and the Lord Advocate met to discuss policy.","AnswerText":"The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and the Lord Advocate discuss policy regularly.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137450,"EventID":"S1W-00445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times have the Deputy Minister for Justice and the Lord Advocate met to discuss policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times have the Deputy Minister for Justice and the Lord Advocate met to discuss policy.","AnswerText":"The Deputy Minister for Justice and the Lord Advocate have discussed policy matters from time to time.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137451,"EventID":"S1W-00446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to redefine the responsibilities of the Lord Advocate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to redefine the responsibilities of the Lord Advocate.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to do so in the short term. Scottish Executive portfolios will, however, be kept under review in the light of developing experience of operating the devolved administration.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137452,"EventID":"S1W-00447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that the world heritage site of St Kilda is fully protected from the potential threats posed by the deep water oil developments being","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that the world heritage site of St Kilda is fully protected from the potential threats posed by the deep water oil developments being licensed there by Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"We are satisfied that the measures in place for consideration of the potential environmental impact of petroleum activities on all parts of the UK Continental Shelf ensure the protection of the St Kilda World Heritage Site. The licensing of blocks for petroleum exploration and development is a reserved matter and rests with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. For future licensing rounds, the Scottish Executive will be fully consulted before any new licenses are granted. The UK Government have convened a round table meeting of relevant stakeholders with a view to the preparation of a State of Conservation Report on St Kilda for the next meeting of the World Heritage Bureau due to be held in Marrakech in November.In addition, under the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-Lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999, the Scottish Executive is a statutory consultee for relevant projects requiring the consent of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137453,"EventID":"S1W-00448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under the terms of the European Directive on road bridges (96/53), what is the number of bridges still to be assessed, still to be upgraded and currently restricted below","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under the terms of the European Directive on road bridges (96/53), what is the number of bridges still to be assessed, still to be upgraded and currently restricted below 40 tonnes, and what its proposals and timescale are to implement the directive. ","AnswerText":"At present there are no weight restrictions on bridges which are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive. The assessment of 4 structures has still to be completed. Out of a total of 1024 bridges in the trunk road assessment programme, 94 did not pass the initial assessment. It is expected that many of these will pass when reassessed using more sophisticated techniques. Replacement or strengthening of the remainder will be programmed over a number of years on a prioritised basis in line with available funding. In the interim it is unlikely that any of these bridges will need to be weight restricted. Information about bridges on the local road network is not held centrally since responsibility for their maintenance rests with individual Councils as local roads authorities.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137454,"EventID":"S1W-00449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total amount in cash terms of capital receipts from housing assets set aside to repay debt by Scottish local authorities for each financial year since 1997/98","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total amount in cash terms of capital receipts from housing assets set aside to repay debt by Scottish local authorities for each financial year since 1997/98.","AnswerText":"Housing capital receipts set aside by Scottish local authorities to redeem debt in 1997-98 totalled £172 million. Although final figures are not yet available, local authorities have estimated capital receipts set aside in 1998-99 to be £149 million.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137455,"EventID":"S1W-00450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relax the obligation on Scottish local authorities to use 75% of housing capital receipts to repay debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relax the obligation on Scottish local authorities to use 75% of housing capital receipts to repay debt.","AnswerText":"The requirement to use housing receipts to repay debt was introduced in order to reduce the debt burden carried by local authorities. The set aside arrangements were considered last year as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. No change was made. There are no plans for a further review.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137456,"EventID":"S1W-00451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to outline why an independent inquiry into student tuition fees is necessary and why an independent inquiry into local government finance is not.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to outline why an independent inquiry into student tuition fees is necessary and why an independent inquiry into local government finance is not.","AnswerText":"The reasons are as set out in the "Partnership for Scotland" agreement. On tuition fees, the Partnership Agreement said that we would propose a Committee of Inquiry, to review tuition fees and financial support for those participating in further and higher education. This Committee will consider all student finance, which is based on systems that have become dated as modern study patterns have developed. On local government finance, the Partnership Agreement said that we would continue to improve the distribution mechanisms of local government finance and would keep under review wider issues of local government finance. We recognise that many aspects of the present financial arrangements need to be addressed and we will be pursuing action on a number of fronts. We believe that, in this instance, this is a more practical and appropriate response than an independent review.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137457,"EventID":"S1W-00452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the review of local authority financial distribution arrangements to report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the review of local authority financial distribution arrangements to report.","AnswerText":"Local authority financial distribution arrangements are under review by the Distribution Committee of the Working Party on Local Government Finance in Scotland. Representatives from 16 councils and COSLA are members of the Committee. Changes affecting the distribution of the 2000-01 local government finance settlement will be reported to Scottish Ministers and COSLA Office Bearers in November, along with a progress report on reviews for later implementation.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137458,"EventID":"S1W-00453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the membership, remit and report date for the review of local authority capital finances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the membership, remit and report date for the review of local authority capital finances.","AnswerText":"The existing review of the local authority (non-housing) capital finance system is being taken forward under the auspices of the Capital Planning Committee of the Working Party on Local Government Finance in Scotland, comprising representatives of the Scottish Executive and COSLA. The remit is to review the existing distribution arrangements and to consider the differential ability of councils to raise capital receipts. It is expected that a report on the outcome of the review will be made to Scottish Ministers and COSLA Office Bearers at the consultative meeting on local government finance in either November or January.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137459,"EventID":"S1W-00455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the future of the Glasgow Careers service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the future of the Glasgow Careers service.","AnswerText":"The existing contract between the First Minister and Glasgow Careers Service Company expires on 31 March 2000. The company will be asked to re-contract and it is expected that the contract documentation will issue towards the end of September. Providing Glasgow Careers Service Company are able to meet the contract conditions the new contract will take effect from 1 April 2000 and will last for a period of 5 years.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137460,"EventID":"S1W-00456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated building and future annual running costs are for each of the eight proposed new hospitals in Scotland and will a Private Finance Initiative finance the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated building and future annual running costs are for each of the eight proposed new hospitals in Scotland and will a Private Finance Initiative finance these costs.","AnswerText":"The information requested on the 8 new hospital developments is as follows: | | Estimated Building Costs £m | Estimated annual running costs £m | Financed by PFI £m | New Royal Infirmary | 183.7 | 28.4 ## | YES | New Law Hospital | 103 | 17.54 ## | YES | New Hairmyres Hospital | 67.55 | 13.49 ## | YES | East Ayrshire Community Hospital | 9.6 | 2.1 | YES | Glasgow Royal Infirmary | 51.9 | * | NO | Western General Hospital, Edinburgh | 35.8 | * | NO | Southern Isles Community Hospital | 7.2 | 2.1 | NO | Aberdeen Children's Hospital | 23 | * | NO |
## Includes service costs. * The Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen Childrens Hospital and Western General Hospital, Edinburgh - developments are parts of existing hospitals, and their running costs are included in their existing costs. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137461,"EventID":"S1W-00457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds, wards, and staff will be provided in each of the eight proposed new hospitals in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds, wards, and staff will be provided in each of the eight proposed new hospitals in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:-| | Number of beds | Number of Wards | Number of staff (WTE) | New Royal Infirmary | 869 | 25 | 4054 | New Law Hospital | 692 | 24 | 1700 | New Hairmyres Hospital | 416 | 14 | 1500 | East Ayrshire Community Hospital | 74 | * | 127 | Glasgow Royal Infirmary | 257 | 15 | 670 | Western General Hospital, Edinburgh | 177 | 9 | Not yet available | Southern Isles Community Hospital | 29 | 2 | 60 | Aberdeen Children's Hospital | 106 | 5 | 286 |
* East Ayrshire Community Hospital includes 74 single rooms for in-patients. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137462,"EventID":"S1W-00458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where and when will each of the eight proposed new hospitals in Scotland be built.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where and when will each of the eight proposed new hospitals in Scotland be built.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:-| | SITE OF HOSPITAL PROJECTS | STARTING DATE OF PROJECTS | New Royal Infirmary | South Edinburgh | August 1998 | New Law Hospital | Netherton, Wishaw | June 1998 | New Hairmyres Hospital | Existing site | April 1998 | East Ayrshire Community Hospital | Cumnock, Ayrshire | April 1999 | Glasgow Royal Infirmary | Existing site | November 1998 | Western General Hospital, Edinburgh | North West Edinburgh | August 1998 | Southern Isles Community Hospital | Benbecula | July 1999 | Aberdeen Children's Hospital | Foresterhill, Aberdeen | October 2000 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-07-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137463,"EventID":"S1W-00459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to allow local authorities to designate streets as \"Home Zones\" and to reduce the speed limit in such 'ones to 10mph.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to allow local authorities to designate streets as \"Home Zones\" and to reduce the speed limit in such 'ones to 10mph.","AnswerText":"Local authorities in Scotland already have powers which can be used to deliver the main features of "Home Zones". They can introduce:- traffic calming measures, under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, designed to reduce the speed of vehicles; and
- 10mph speed limits, after receiving consent from the Scottish Ministers, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
A feature of many continental "Home Zones" is a provision that drivers are held responsible for injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. Any proposal for the introduction of a similar provision in Scotland would have to be considered in light of the existing law on civil liability, and criminal responsibility, for road accidents. When assessing the case for wider powers, the Scottish Executive will take note of all relevant information, including the conclusions of research now taking place, in England, into both the extent to which the aims of 'Home Zones' can be achieved by traffic management measures introduced under existing legislation and the need for additional legislation.On 16 June, the United Kingdom Government removed the statutory requirement for local authorities to obtain the Secretary of State's consent before making 20 mph speed limit orders. As a result, local authorities in Scotland now have freedom to set 20 mph speed limits in locations where they feel this would be appropriate.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137464,"EventID":"S1W-00460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for consultation on the proposed level of fees for cattle passports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for consultation on the proposed level of fees for cattle passports.","AnswerText":"The Cattle Tracing System (CTS) was launched in September 1999 and is run by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). It supports our European and domestic obligations and provides for full traceability of cattle throughout their lives, enabling the livestock industry to provide the level of guarantees and assurances that their customers demand. Since its launch, BCMS has issued in excess of 2.3 million passports, or over 11,500 per day. Of these, 90% are issued within 3 working days of an application being received. In addition, since last September, nearly 1.5 million cattle movements have been recorded on the CTS database, and nearly a quarter of a million calls have been handled by the BCMS call centre. When the Government announced in February 1998 that it would pay for the set up costs of the CTS, and its running costs during the first full year of operation, it was also made clear that industry should expect to meet future running costs. It is therefore proposed to introduce charges from 27 September 1999 and a consultation document has today been issued seeking views on the level of charges, explaining what they cover and on methods of payment. In line with earlier predictions, we propose that the fee should be £7 per cattle passport. This does not include the cost of checks carried out by the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) at abattoirs which, it is further proposed, will be recovered directly. We estimate the cost to the abattoir sector is likely to be around £2m per annum. There are no plans to charge for temporary passports, known also as calf passports, as it is recognised that these animals are less valuable than older animals. However, the fee will become payable if a temporary passport is submitted for conversion to a full cattle passport. A copy of the consultation package, including a draft Regulatory Impact Assessment, has been placed in the Library of the Parliament. Comments are sought by 9 August. There will be separate consultations by the administrations in England and Wales, but it is expected that the fee will be at the same rate in all three countries of Great Britain.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-10-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137465,"EventID":"S1W-00461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any changes in the remit and title of any of its members, since its establishment and the reasons for any such changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any changes in the remit and title of any of its members, since its establishment and the reasons for any such changes.","AnswerText":"There have been no changes of material significance. Such changes as have been made have been for clarity and administrative efficiency.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137466,"EventID":"S1W-00462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that imported pork, bacon and ham supplied to its own and local authority catering services complies to the same standards as that to wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that imported pork, bacon and ham supplied to its own and local authority catering services complies to the same standards as that to which pig producers in Scotland are obliged to comply with.","AnswerText":"Neither the Treaty of Rome nor the rules of the World Trade Organisation allow Scotland to ban the import of meat products that have not been produced to the same husbandry standards as required here. However, a new EC Directive, agreed in June 1998 and which must be implemented by the end of this year, will encourage a more level playingfield by requiring minimum standards on welfare, inspection, feeding etc for all farmed animals.That same Directive also recognises the importance of widening consensus on animals welfare, requiring the European Commission to produce a report comparing EU welfare conditions with those of third country suppliers.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137467,"EventID":"S1W-00463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with representatives of the Scottish pig farming industry regarding the present difficulties facing the industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with representatives of the Scottish pig farming industry regarding the present difficulties facing the industry.","AnswerText":"My Department maintains regular contact with representatives of the Scottish pig industry and has done so since serious financial difficulties first beset this sector.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137468,"EventID":"S1W-00464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will call for an urgent review of EU Directive 91/630 titled \"Laying down the minimum standards for the protection of pigs\" to ensure that the standards of animal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will call for an urgent review of EU Directive 91/630 titled \"Laying down the minimum standards for the protection of pigs\" to ensure that the standards of animal welfare imposed upon pig farmers in Scotland are equivalent to those imposed upon pig farmers throughout the European Union.","AnswerText":"A review of EU Directive 91/630 is already underway. As the first stage of this review, the Commission's Scientific Veterinary Committee has submitted a report which highlights the welfare disadvantages of tethers and close confinement stalls and which recommends group housing for sows in which they can turn round easily.We are continuing to press the Commission to bring forward early proposals and have made it clear that we expect them to at least match the standards which already apply in this country.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137469,"EventID":"S1W-00465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in relation to the labelling of meat products, it will take steps to ensure that the phrase \"Produced in Scotland\" means born and raised in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in relation to the labelling of meat products, it will take steps to ensure that the phrase \"Produced in Scotland\" means born and raised in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Meat products are defined in EC law and the labelling requirements are largely harmonised at EC level. These requirements are implemented in Scotland by the Food Labelling Regulations 1996. They require that the particulars of country of origin or provenance be provided on a label if failure to give such particulars might mislead the purchaser to a material degree as to the true origin or provenance of the food. Meat products can contain a variety of ingredients, many of which will not derive from Scotland (for example herbs and spices). It is not therefore appropriate to label meat products in the way suggested.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137470,"EventID":"S1W-00466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to encourage supermarket chains to purchase pork, bacon and ham from pig producers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to encourage supermarket chains to purchase pork, bacon and ham from pig producers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I will use whatever opportunities arise to impress upon both retailers and consumers the high quality of Scottish pigmeat products, as well as the very high standards applying to their production, with the aim of encouraging the consumption of high quality Scottish produce.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137471,"EventID":"S1W-00467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of the Drug Enforcement Agency will be met from existing Police budgets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of the Drug Enforcement Agency will be met from existing Police budgets.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave today, to Mr Keith Raffan's question number S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137472,"EventID":"S1W-00468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the cost of establishing the Drug Enforcement Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the cost of establishing the Drug Enforcement Agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave today, to Mr Keith Raffan's question number S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137473,"EventID":"S1W-00469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Police Officers it plans to appoint to the Drug Enforcement Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Police Officers it plans to appoint to the Drug Enforcement Agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave today, to Mr Keith Raffan's question number S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137474,"EventID":"S1W-00470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to recruit officers for the Drug Enforcement Agency from existing Police staffing levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to recruit officers for the Drug Enforcement Agency from existing Police staffing levels.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave today, to Mr Keith Raffan's question number S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137475,"EventID":"S1W-00471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact its announcement of 24 June 1999 in relation to Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) will have on the five PFI projects agreed by Falkirk Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact its announcement of 24 June 1999 in relation to Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) will have on the five PFI projects agreed by Falkirk Council.","AnswerText":"Those improvements to public private partnerships I announced on 24 June which relate to matters covered by contract will have no impact on the Falkirk Council scheme for the construction of 5 new schools. This is because, with the exception of the announcement on pension provisions, these changes took effect from 24 June and will not be applied retrospectively. It is worth noting however, that the Council has an option to purchase the schools at market value, capped at £5 million, at the end of the initial contract, if it wants to do so.The provisions for better protection for staff pensions came into effect on 14 June. I promised to publish more financial information for PFI projects on a sector by sector basis and have already made details of estimated service payments available in answer to a question from Andrew Wilson (S1W-00357). Figures for the Falkirk project were included in the local authority sector.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137476,"EventID":"S1W-00472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of its plans for the relationship between the Drug Enforcement Agency and Customs and Excise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of its plans for the relationship between the Drug Enforcement Agency and Customs and Excise.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave today, to Mr Keith Raffan's question number S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137477,"EventID":"S1W-00473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new social landlords proposed under the New Housing Partnerships Programme will have to be incorporated as Industrial and Provident Societies, to become Regis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new social landlords proposed under the New Housing Partnerships Programme will have to be incorporated as Industrial and Provident Societies, to become Registered Social Landlords.","AnswerText":"Social landlords receiving funds under the 1999-2002 New Housing Partnerships bidding round are required to become Registered Social Landlords with Scottish Homes. Registered Social Landlords may be either Industrial and Provident Societies or companies, but are required by Scottish Homes to meet the same registration criteria including being non-profit distributing.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137478,"EventID":"S1W-00474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that where local authorities transfer all or part of their housing stock, the statutory obligations imposed upon them for re-housing homeless ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that where local authorities transfer all or part of their housing stock, the statutory obligations imposed upon them for re-housing homeless people will be met.","AnswerText":"The operational responsibility for allocating houses must be transferred to new community landlords if they are genuinely to have control over their own affairs. Local authorities will, however, need to ensure that they have access to sufficient housing to enable them to meet their statutory obligations, including their duties in relation to homeless persons. The contract of sale between the authority and the acquiring landlord should clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both parties in this area. The Housing Green Paper invited views on whether there was a case for changing the legislation to introduce further safeguards for access for vulnerable groups and we are currently considering the responses.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137479,"EventID":"S1W-00475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to audit the progress of projects funded under the New Housing Partnership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to audit the progress of projects funded under the New Housing Partnership.","AnswerText":"These are set out in a letter issued to councils on 15 July 1999. A copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137480,"EventID":"S1W-00476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what were the projected number of properties (new build and improved, for rent, for sale or for part sale) planned under years one and two of the New Housing Partnership ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what were the projected number of properties (new build and improved, for rent, for sale or for part sale) planned under years one and two of the New Housing Partnership programme, as opposed to what has been achieved to date, and what is currently projected to be achieved.","AnswerText":"Information on planned outputs from the New Housing Partnership programme is currently being collected from Scottish local authorities. I shall write to Ms Hyslop once this becomes available.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137481,"EventID":"S1W-00477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice has been given to local authorities currently conducting feasibility studies into stock transfer as to the future status of the tenancy of their tenants after","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice has been given to local authorities currently conducting feasibility studies into stock transfer as to the future status of the tenancy of their tenants after a successful stock transfer.","AnswerText":"This is set out in the booklet "New Housing Partnerships, the future for Scotland's communities" which was issued to all councils in June 1998. A copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. The Housing Green Paper sought views on the case for legislation to create a single social tenancy; we are currently considering the responses.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137482,"EventID":"S1W-00478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to ensure that where a local authority proposes to transfer all of its housing stock, local communities will have ownership and control ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to ensure that where a local authority proposes to transfer all of its housing stock, local communities will have ownership and control of the organisation to which the stock is transferred and its decision-making processes.","AnswerText":"The transfer of tenanted local authority housing requires the consent of Scottish Ministers. In arriving at a view on the management structure of the new landlord, Ministers will take account of the views of tenants, Scottish Homes' registration criteria and the local circumstances of the proposed transfer. Wherever possible, we would expect the day to day management and decision-making process to be devolved to local level.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137483,"EventID":"S1W-00479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the impact of housing benefit reform on (a) council tenants, (b) housing association tenants and (c) pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the impact of housing benefit reform on (a) council tenants, (b) housing association tenants and (c) private rented sector tenants in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer to my answers of 14 July to Alex Neil (S1W-00298) and Fergus Ewing (S1W-00351). The implications of housing benefit reform for particular groups of tenants would depend on the nature and extent of any such reform.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137484,"EventID":"S1W-00480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are currently excluded from re-housing by (a) council landlords and (b) housing associations because of previous rent or mortgage arrears.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are currently excluded from re-housing by (a) council landlords and (b) housing associations because of previous rent or mortgage arrears.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137485,"EventID":"S1W-00481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are currently excluded from housing by (a) local authority landlords and (b) housing association landlords because of previous anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are currently excluded from housing by (a) local authority landlords and (b) housing association landlords because of previous anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137486,"EventID":"S1W-00482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the level of investment required to bring housing up to a modern standard in (a) the social rented sector, (b) the private rented sector, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the level of investment required to bring housing up to a modern standard in (a) the social rented sector, (b) the private rented sector, and (c) the owner occupied sector.","AnswerText":"The 1996 Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) estimated that the minimum cost to repair and bring all occupied dwellings up to a fully modernised standard, including tackling Below Tolerable Standard dwellings, would be: - £2,264 million in the social rented sector;
- £921 million in the private rented sector; and
£4,373 million in the owner occupied sector","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137487,"EventID":"S1W-00483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce common housing registers in all Scottish local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce common housing registers in all Scottish local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Housing Green Paper sought views on the need for common housing registers and made it clear that the Government looks to local authorities to take the lead in establishing them in their areas. In examining responses to the Green Paper we will consider how the Executive might support Councils in developing such registers.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137488,"EventID":"S1W-00484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total level of funding provided to drug action teams in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total level of funding provided to drug action teams in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"A total of £500,812 has been allocated in this financial year to provide administrative support to Drug Action Teams.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137489,"EventID":"S1W-00485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what were the key findings of the recent review of the effectiveness of drug action teams.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what were the key findings of the recent review of the effectiveness of drug action teams.","AnswerText":"The evaluation identified the need for more vigorous performance management of Drug Action Teams (DAT's) by the Scottish Executive, and for a greater focus by DATs on developing partnership working at local level.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137490,"EventID":"S1W-00486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional resources to drug action teams in order to increase services for drug misusers in the Fife, Forth Valley and Tayside Health Board ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional resources to drug action teams in order to increase services for drug misusers in the Fife, Forth Valley and Tayside Health Board areas.","AnswerText":"The provision of additional resources to assist Drug Action Teams (DATs) directly in implementing the Government's strategy Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership, is currently under consideration. Funding for drug misuse services, is provided through the constituent agencies represented on the DATs and it is for them to decide the priority to be attached to the problem. Spending on drug treatment in Scotland over the next year has already been boosted as a result of the £6 million increase in drug treatment funding for the three year period from April 1999. Additional resources allocated to Fife, Forth Valley and Tayside Health Boards in this financial year amount to £102,702, £64,699 and £176,292 respectively.Additional resources have also been provided to Scottish local authorities in 1999-2000 for their social work services. These include services for people with drug related problems, which cannot be separately identified. Social Work spending in Scotland will increase by £43 million in 2000-2001 and a further £36 million in 2001-2002. These resources have still to be allocated to individual Councils.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137491,"EventID":"S1W-00487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether MI6 will be involved in working with the Drug Enforcement Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether MI6 will be involved in working with the Drug Enforcement Agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137492,"EventID":"S1W-00488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its strategy for the Drug Enforcement Agency, and confirm whether its principal target will be major drug traffickers and suppliers and not minor ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its strategy for the Drug Enforcement Agency, and confirm whether its principal target will be major drug traffickers and suppliers and not minor user dealers.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137493,"EventID":"S1W-00489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult on how the Drug Enforcement Agency will operate and whether the consultation will include the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse, the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult on how the Drug Enforcement Agency will operate and whether the consultation will include the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse, the Scottish Drugs Forum and COSLA.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137494,"EventID":"S1W-00490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional resources to the Scottish Courts and the Scottish Prison Services to deal with the potential increase in the number of prosecution","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional resources to the Scottish Courts and the Scottish Prison Services to deal with the potential increase in the number of prosecutions and imprisonments arising from the work of the Drug Enforcement Agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137495,"EventID":"S1W-00491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to initiate a parliamentary debate on the role and purpose of the Drug Enforcement Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to initiate a parliamentary debate on the role and purpose of the Drug Enforcement Agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137496,"EventID":"S1W-00492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be the cost of setting up the Drug Enforcement Agency, what will be the its total budget in the first year of operation and whether it will provide a breakdown ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be the cost of setting up the Drug Enforcement Agency, what will be the its total budget in the first year of operation and whether it will provide a breakdown of that budget by cost of premises, staff, administration, and other costs.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137497,"EventID":"S1W-00493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where it plans to locate the Drug Enforcement Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where it plans to locate the Drug Enforcement Agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137498,"EventID":"S1W-00494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who it plans to appoint as Chief Executive of the Drug Enforcement Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who it plans to appoint as Chief Executive of the Drug Enforcement Agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137499,"EventID":"S1W-00495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be the organisational structure of the Drug Enforcement Agency and how will it relate to the existing police forces, their drug squads and Custom and Excise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be the organisational structure of the Drug Enforcement Agency and how will it relate to the existing police forces, their drug squads and Custom and Excise.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my answer to his earlier question S1W-00488.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137500,"EventID":"S1W-00496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details by health board area, of the number of patients with multiple sclerosis who are currently being prescribed betaferon and to outline the po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details by health board area, of the number of patients with multiple sclerosis who are currently being prescribed betaferon and to outline the policy of each health board towards the prescription of betaferon.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to identify the number of patients with Multiple Sclerosis who are currently being prescribed Betaferon. Data collected centrally relates only to prescribed items dispensed by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors. It does not specify individual patient data and information on the number of patients given specific drugs in hospitals is not available centrally. In 1995, guidance about new drugs for multiple sclerosis, and clinical advice from the Standing Medical Advisory Committee, was issued to all Health Boards. The guidance asked Health Boards, in consultation with other key interests, to develop and implement local arrangements to manage the entry of these drugs into the NHS and, in particular, to instigate and continue prescribing through hospitals.The implementation of that guidance is a matter for each Health Board.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137501,"EventID":"S1W-00497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what was the number and content of responses received to the first childcare provision questionnaire.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what was the number and content of responses received to the first childcare provision questionnaire.","AnswerText":"Nine responses were received, 2 from candidates who were later unsuccessful in the elections. On the question \"Do you have a need for nursery provision?\", the remaining seven responded as follows: Yes - 3 : of these, one wanted crèche facilities for a baby, either in Edinburgh close to the Parliament, or in Glasgow; one preferred/needed support for childcare/nursery provision close to home in Glasgow (she could not commute with children to Edinburgh); and one preferred to keep her child in the existing nursery although might consider placing her in a nursery closer to the Parliament building at a later date. Possibly - 1\t: emergency out-of-school care on site. No - 3 A further questionnaire was returned late in May, responding in the positive but wishing to discuss further.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137502,"EventID":"S1W-00498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when will the next childcare survey of MSP's, their staff and Parliamentary staff take place and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will agree the remit, na","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when will the next childcare survey of MSP's, their staff and Parliamentary staff take place and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will agree the remit, nature and content of that survey.","AnswerText":"A draft questionnaire will be produced for approval by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and considered at it's meeting scheduled for August 6th.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137503,"EventID":"S1W-00499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of all current policy reviews, green and white papers and consultation exercises which (a) have been initiated by it; (b) are being taken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of all current policy reviews, green and white papers and consultation exercises which (a) have been initiated by it; (b) are being taken forward by it , having been initiated by HM Government and (c) are being undertaken by HM Government on issues affecting devolved matters, and if it will do so in terms of (i) commencement date; (ii) remit; (iii) responsible body and Minister and (iv) expected publication date.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137504,"EventID":"S1W-00500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a detailed breakdown of the increase of #0.4 million made available to Perth College in 1999-2000 as announced on 2 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a detailed breakdown of the increase of #0.4 million made available to Perth College in 1999-2000 as announced on 2 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Perth College was notified in February 1999 of the following increases in grant provision for 1999-2000 over comparable provision announced in February 1998 for last year - Increase in recurrent grant-in-aid | £72,000 | Increase in bursary allocation | £170,000 | New Infrastructure Grant - for health and safety projects | £91,000 | New Information and Communications Technology Grant | £96,000 | Total | £429,000 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137505,"EventID":"S1W-00501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the amount of public money in each of the past ten financial years which has been paid to Rural Forum Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the amount of public money in each of the past ten financial years which has been paid to Rural Forum Scotland.","AnswerText":"The table provides details of the available information on payments made by The Scottish Office to Rural Forum since 1992-93. In some cases Rural Forum will have sub-contracted work to other organisations. Further information about other public sector support to Rural Forum may be obtained from Companies House, Edinburgh.Financial Year | Core Funding (£) | Projects (£) | 1992-93 | 14,000 | | 1993-94 | 13,000 | | 1994-95 | 16,000 | 30,000 | 1995-96 | 16,000 | 30,000 | 1996-97 | 16,000 | 30,000 | | | | 67,500 | | | | 17,500 | 1997-98 | 16,000 | 25,000 | | | | 65,000 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 5,350 | | | | 9,000 | | | | 4,000 | | | | 13,734 | 1998-99 | 12,000 | 20,000 | | | | 63,000 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 22,899 | | | | 16,215 | | | | 11,000 | | | | 19,200 | | | | 61,111 | | | &n","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137506,"EventID":"S1W-00502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the financial position of Rural Forum Scotland has been monitored and, if so, will it provide details of such monitoring.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the financial position of Rural Forum Scotland has been monitored and, if so, will it provide details of such monitoring.","AnswerText":"Monitoring of Rural Forum's overall financial position was a matter for that organisation's Board.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137507,"EventID":"S1W-00503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any consultation with other rural development organisations prior to the discontinuance of funding to Rural Forum Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any consultation with other rural development organisations prior to the discontinuance of funding to Rural Forum Scotland.","AnswerText":"There was no discontinuance of funding to Rural Forum. Funding commitments to Rural Forum continued up until the Scottish Office was notified that the organisation had been put into liquidation by the Board.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137508,"EventID":"S1W-00504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the work of Rural Forum Scotland is continued.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the work of Rural Forum Scotland is continued.","AnswerText":"Steps are being taken to find other means to take forward work relating to the management of the EU Objective 5b Programme in Rural Stirling and Upland Tayside, and by the Scottish Churches Housing Agency in respect of the Rural Housing Service. I and my officials are also in discussions with various interest groups who are exploring whether there is a need for a new body which would meet the needs of rural communities.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137509,"EventID":"S1W-00505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish on the internet the responses to the \"Investing in modernisation - an agenda for Scotland's housing\" green paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish on the internet the responses to the \"Investing in modernisation - an agenda for Scotland's housing\" green paper.","AnswerText":"All the responses to the Green Paper (except for those expressly submitted in confidence) are already available for public inspection at the offices of the Scottish Executive, and I have also arranged for copies to be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. I have no plans at present to publish all the responses on the Internet, but a summary of the responses will be produced and made available on the Internet in due course.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137510,"EventID":"S1W-00506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on age discrimination in employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on age discrimination in employment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on grounds of age in recruitment or employment.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137511,"EventID":"S1W-00507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to schools in the current financial year in order to reduce the number of pupils being expelled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to schools in the current financial year in order to reduce the number of pupils being expelled.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing £6m in the current financial year to education authorities through the Excellence Fund and the pilot Alternatives to Exclusion Programme. These resources will support authorities in making provision for pupils at risk of exclusion and thereby assist them achieve the national objective of reducing exclusion by a third by 2002 and to ensure that full time education is provided for all pupils excluded for over three weeks.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137512,"EventID":"S1W-00508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the planned level of capital investment in the National Health Service in Scotland for financial years 1999/2000 to 2001/2002 inclusive, in real terms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the planned level of capital investment in the National Health Service in Scotland for financial years 1999/2000 to 2001/2002 inclusive, in real terms.","AnswerText":"Capital investment at 1999-2000 prices is as follows:| | £ million | 1999-2000 | 166.0 | 2000-01 | 187.3 | 2001-02 | 200.8 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137513,"EventID":"S1W-00509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that Glasgow is not adversely affected by the decrease in the proportion of the UK population covered by objective 1 and Objective 2 status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that Glasgow is not adversely affected by the decrease in the proportion of the UK population covered by objective 1 and Objective 2 status.","AnswerText":"As noted in my reply of 30 June to the Member's earlier question, the responsibility for agreeing a list of areas where the UK will propose Objective 2 designation lies with the UK Government. The Scottish Executive and the UK Government are considering jointly the Scottish areas to be included in that list.The needs of Glasgow, as of all other areas, will be taken into account. The requirement to concentrate the European Structural Funding for the new programmes means that it is inevitable that some areas will not be on the list. All existing Objective 2 and 5b areas will retain, at minimum, transitional Objective 2 status and funding.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137514,"EventID":"S1W-00510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to prevent the potato disease, Brown Rot, spreading within the Scottish potato crop.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to prevent the potato disease, Brown Rot, spreading within the Scottish potato crop.","AnswerText":"Potato brown rot has never been found in the Scottish potato crop and a number of measures are already in place to prevent this. Scottish grown potatoes and material entering Scotland from both within and outwith the European Community are inspected for symptoms of brown rot. Additional measures have been taken by the Government in relation to potato imports from The Netherlands where brown rot outbreaks have occurred in recent years. Directive 98/57/EC of 20 July 1998, when implemented on 21 August 1999, will subsume on a Community-wide basis national measures with regard to intra-community trade.Periodic surveys are carried out to confirm Scotland's freedom from brown rot and these will continue to ensure that the high health status of Scottish potatoes is safeguarded.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137515,"EventID":"S1W-00511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will discuss with local authorities the influence which the provision of differing levels of beach facilities has on the number of beaches which pass the vario","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will discuss with local authorities the influence which the provision of differing levels of beach facilities has on the number of beaches which pass the various beach surveys.","AnswerText":"There are a number of beach survey schemes which are used to convey the standards of beaches to the public. Among these are the European Blue Flag, and the Seaside Award both of which are co-ordinated by Keep Scotland Beautiful. The Marine Conservation Society also publishes the Good Beach Guide.We are committed to improving Scotland's beaches and have had initial discussions with relevant parties. My officials plan further discussions involving local authority representatives and the organisations mentioned above. These discussions can be used to inform local authorities on the various requirements of organisations.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137516,"EventID":"S1W-00512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage the Marine Conservation Society and other agencies involved in beach award schemes to take into account sites which are not tested by the Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage the Marine Conservation Society and other agencies involved in beach award schemes to take into account sites which are not tested by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerText":"Water quality at each locality is one of the fundamental aspects which interests the public in most award schemes. There is no merit therefore in encouraging such bodies to take into account sites which are not tested.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137517,"EventID":"S1W-00513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the amount of public spending on tackling drug addiction in Scotland for each of the past ten financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the amount of public spending on tackling drug addiction in Scotland for each of the past ten financial years.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally. In addition to formal drugs programmes, there is spend to tackle drug misuse within a wide range of health, social work, police and criminal justice services. The following statistics are, however, available:-
Health Board provision for drug treatment services Financial Year | £000s | 1994-95 | 2,535 | 1995-96 | 8,182 | 1996-97 | 9,182 | 1997-98 | 9,946 | 1998-99 | 9,862 | 1999-00 | 11,862 |
Total gross revenue expenditure by local authorities on substance misuse Financial Year (1) | £000s | 1987-88 | 542 | 1988-89 | 587 | 1989-902 | 2,915 | 1990-91 | 3,161 | 1991-92 | 3,372 | 1992-93 | 4,530 | 1993-94 | 5,812 | 1994-953 | 11,287 | 1995-96 | 12,413 | The table presented includes information up to and including 1996. There have been no statistics published since that date because of the closure of the Index at the end of April 1997. Drug addicts notified to the Home Office during the years 1987 - 1996 | | | by health board of notifier | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | Health Board | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Argyll & Clyde | | 36 | 57 | Drugs related crimes recorded by the police, Scotland, 1989-1998 Number & Percentage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | % change | | | | | | | | | | | | | 97-98 | | | | | | | | | | | | | Illegal importation of drugs | 17 | 9 | 3 | The need for more reliable information on drug misuse services and spend is acknowledged in Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership and key facts and figures will be collected in a consistent basis across all Drug Action Team areas in order to monitor progress and as part of the new Drug Action Team Planning cycle process. Registered Residential Drug Rehabilitation Centres as at 31 March 1998 1 and 2 | Name | Location | Aberlour Child Care Trust 3 | Edinburgh | Bethany Christian Trust | Edinburgh | Glasgow Drug Crisis Centre | Glasgow | Links Project | Edinburgh | Phoenix House | Glasgow | Rainbow House | Glasgow | Red Tower 4 | Helensburgh | Scarrell Road Project | Glasgow |
During the year ending 31 March 1998 there were a total of 215 long term admissions and 554 respite care admissions to the above establishments. Notes: 1. It is not possible from the information available to provide details of client funding. 2. Other centres may have people attending for drug rehabilitation services but not recorded as such. 3. Includes day care facilities. 4. Red Tower is described as a drug detoxification unit. Day Care Drug Rehabilitation Centresas at 31 March 1998 1 and 2 | Name | Location | Whitehill House | Peterhead | Wishart Centre | Dundee |
During the week ending 31 March 1998 there were a total of 146 clients attending the above centres. Notes: 1. It is not possible from the information available to provide details of client funding. 2. Other centres may have people attending for drug rehabilitation services but not recorded as such. ","AnswerDate":"1999-08-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137522,"EventID":"S1W-00518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the names and locations of registered drug detoxification centres and day-care drug detoxification centres in Scotland together with details of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide the names and locations of registered drug detoxification centres and day-care drug detoxification centres in Scotland together with details of the number of clients referred to such centres, by whom they were referred and by whom they were funded, for each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"I would refer to the answer I gave to S1W-00517, also answered today.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137523,"EventID":"S1W-00519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be responding to the concerns of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland relating to the transfer of lead ministerial responsibility for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be responding to the concerns of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland relating to the transfer of lead ministerial responsibility for forestry from the Secretary of State for Scotland to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in London.","AnswerText":"Yes, we shall respond to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland by explaining that Scotland's forestry interests receive Ministerial attention fully reflecting the relatively greater importance of forestry in Scotland. Policies on forestry in Scotland will be tailored to meet Scotland's needs.While the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has overall responsibility for forestry issues that affect Great Britain as a whole, such as the control of forest pests and negotiations in the European Union, he will be required to consult Scottish Ministers on such matters. I have already met the English and Welsh forestry Ministers to discuss areas of mutual concern, and I shall ensure that our policies on these issues take full account of Scotland's forestry interests.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137524,"EventID":"S1W-00520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the average cost incurred in processing and answering MSPs' written questions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the average cost incurred in processing and answering MSPs' written questions.","AnswerText":"We are conducting an analysis of a random sample of questions from MSPs with a view to establishing an average cost figure.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137525,"EventID":"S1W-00521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the cost of answering the thirty-eight questions tabled by Keith Raffan MSP as published in the Scottish Parliament Business Bulletin of Friday 9 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the cost of answering the thirty-eight questions tabled by Keith Raffan MSP as published in the Scottish Parliament Business Bulletin of Friday 9 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Preliminary work on estimating the cost of answering Scottish Parliamentary Questions suggests an average cost of about £100 per question - a figure that is consistent with evidence from the UK Parliament. This takes account of time spent by staff of the Scottish Executive on dealing with questions and a proportion of overhead costs, including accommodation. It does not take account of time spent on questions by Ministers and staff in their offices.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137526,"EventID":"S1W-00522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Planning Application 98/01178/COU, approved by South Ayrshire Council, was received by the Scottish Executive for its approval.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Planning Application 98/01178/COU, approved by South Ayrshire Council, was received by the Scottish Executive for its approval.","AnswerText":"The Information Centre has an annual budget of £163,250 for the purchase of whatever reference stock staff judge necessary to fulfill the anticipated information needs of MSPs, and maintain a central resource for the Parliament. MSPs may suggest items for Information Centre stock, which staff will consider for purchase.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137527,"EventID":"S1W-00523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are ongoing legal proceedings between the constructors of the Kingston Bridge in Glasgow and the Scottish Executive or any local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are ongoing legal proceedings between the constructors of the Kingston Bridge in Glasgow and the Scottish Executive or any local authority.","AnswerText":"There are no legal proceedings in progress against any of the parties that were responsible for the design and construction of the Kingston Bridge.The Secretary of State inherited two court actions against the consulting engineers who designed the bridge when he took over responsibility for this structure when the M8 through Glasgow was adopted as a trunk road on 1 April 1996. The actions were settled out of court in 1997 without any admission of liability on the part of the defendants. Each party bore its own expenses. Beyond that the terms of the settlement are confidential to the parties.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137528,"EventID":"S1W-00524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what action has been taken to improve facilities for disabled people within all buildings in the parliamentary complex.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what action has been taken to improve facilities for disabled people within all buildings in the parliamentary complex.","AnswerText":"Alterations additional to the requirements of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 were made during the refurbishment of the City of Edinburgh Council buildings and the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall to form the Scottish Parliaments interim accommodation. The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has at present no plans to make further improvements. Suggestions will be considered with due regard to budgetary constraints and the temporary nature of the accommodation. Improvements carried out to PHQ include - widening the wheelchair access ramp at the front entrance to PHQ and lengthening the hand rail beside it
- Upgrading the lifts to include tactile control buttons and a voice system.
Improvements carried out to the Assembly Hall include - providing access to, and accommodation in, the Debating Chamber for MSPs using wheelchairs
- providing wheelchair access to the public gallery with suitable space and positioning within it
- All desks within the Debating Chamber incorporate general sound enhancement that would assist the hard of hearing, and some outlets have been provided to allow the addition of specialist systems, for those with more profound disabilities.
- Upgrading of the Hall's lift to include tactile control buttons and a voice system
- Installing up to date infra red audio assistance equipment in the Press and Public Galleries to assist the hard of hearing
Upgrading of the directional and safety signage throughout","AnswerDate":"1999-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137529,"EventID":"S1W-00525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the structure of the Scottish Tourist Board with a view to increasing the emphasis on the marketing of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the structure of the Scottish Tourist Board with a view to increasing the emphasis on the marketing of Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so. A Policy and Financial Management Review of the STB undertaken in 1998 found that all of the Board's current functions are necessary. These functions can be summarised as consumer and trade marketing, the development of the Area Tourist Board network and increasing the competitiveness of the industry. They are carried out in support of the objective that has been set for the Board, which is to help maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland. Currently, over 60% of the Board's programme expenditure is incurred on consumer and trade marketing.","AnswerDate":"1999-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137530,"EventID":"S1W-00526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the system of house purchase and sale in Scotland and, if so, in what respects and with what objectives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the system of house purchase and sale in Scotland and, if so, in what respects and with what objectives.","AnswerText":"The housing Green Paper noted that the Scottish system of house purchase has a number of strengths, but recognised concerns that the system can lead to multiple surveys and valuations being commissioned on the same property with considerable abortive costs for unsuccessful bidders. We are currently considering the responses to the Green Paper before making decisions on the way forward.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137531,"EventID":"S1W-00527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what action the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body plans to take in order to ensure that MSPs' constituency offices have adequate access for disabled people and facilit","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what action the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body plans to take in order to ensure that MSPs' constituency offices have adequate access for disabled people and facilities for those with a sensory impairment.","AnswerText":"The Members' Allowance Scheme provides that constituency offices should be suitable for public access. This includes disabled people and those with sensory impairment. Accordingly, the SPCB would expect individual members to take account of the needs of these groups when securing constituency or regional office premises.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137532,"EventID":"S1W-00528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to study the impact of the use of the internet as a means of promoting tourism in Scotland and, if so, what will be the nature of the study, and whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to study the impact of the use of the internet as a means of promoting tourism in Scotland and, if so, what will be the nature of the study, and whether it will seek to involve those in the industry already engaged in the use of the internet.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Tourist Board is undertaking research. The results will be used to inform the new Tourism Strategy on which the industry will be fully consulted.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137533,"EventID":"S1W-00529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of how the #700,000 additional funding for the Ossian project made available to the Area Tourist Boards in 1999 was spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of how the #700,000 additional funding for the Ossian project made available to the Area Tourist Boards in 1999 was spent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Tourist Board, which leads the Ossian project, was asked to allocate this funding between the ATBs. I will ask the Chairman to write to you with the information and I will arrange for a copy of his reply to be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137534,"EventID":"S1W-00530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any independent assessment of the impact of the Ossian project and, if so, whether it will place the results of the assessment in the Scottish Parl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any independent assessment of the impact of the Ossian project and, if so, whether it will place the results of the assessment in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre","AnswerText":"Project Ossian is not yet fully on stream and the impact will not be felt until next year. The Scottish Tourist Board believe that the introduction of Ossian will make the industry more competitive.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137535,"EventID":"S1W-00531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact on Scottish Postal services of the possible sale of the Post Office and, if so, what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact on Scottish Postal services of the possible sale of the Post Office and, if so, what representations it will make.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government over a range of matters, including those relating to the Post Office.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137536,"EventID":"S1W-00532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for details of the marketing budget in each of the area Tourist Boards in Scotland for each of the last three financial years and the estimated budgets for the next three","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for details of the marketing budget in each of the area Tourist Boards in Scotland for each of the last three financial years and the estimated budgets for the next three financial years.","AnswerText":"Area Tourist Boards are independent local partnership organisations. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137537,"EventID":"S1W-00533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether steps have been taken by the Scottish Tourist Board to promote Scotland as a holiday destination in the Highland Games events which take place in Canada and the U","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether steps have been taken by the Scottish Tourist Board to promote Scotland as a holiday destination in the Highland Games events which take place in Canada and the United States of America and whether the Scottish Tourist Board has advertised or intends to advertise in the \"Highlander \" maga'ine.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Tourist Board. I will ask the Chairman to write to you and I will arrange for a copy of his reply to be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137538,"EventID":"S1W-00534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request that the Scottish Tourist Board introduce a marketing campaign to promote Scotland as an autumn holiday destination in order to boost the tourist ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request that the Scottish Tourist Board introduce a marketing campaign to promote Scotland as an autumn holiday destination in order to boost the tourist industry in Scotland this year.","AnswerText":"The STB in partnership with the industry has since 1995 undertaken a campaign focused on generating additional business in the October and November period. This is estimated to have generated an additional £5 million spend in 1998. Plans for a 1999 campaign are well advanced.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137539,"EventID":"S1W-00535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be available for distribution in Scotland under the new domestic energy efficiency schemes (HEES and HEES plus) for the years 2000-2002, how many home","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be available for distribution in Scotland under the new domestic energy efficiency schemes (HEES and HEES plus) for the years 2000-2002, how many homes will qualify for grants under these schemes and what is the estimate of the number of homes that will receive grants during this period.","AnswerText":"The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme was replaced in Scotland on 1 July by the Warm Deal. The budget for the Warm Deal in the current year is £12 million and it is expected that about 24,000 homes will receive grants. I hope to make an announcement shortly about the resources available in 2000-2001 and 2001-2002, and the qualifying criteria.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137540,"EventID":"S1W-00536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Mace gifted to the Parliament by Her Majesty The Queen has any constitutional significance and if so whether he will provide in the Scottish Parliament Informa","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Mace gifted to the Parliament by Her Majesty The Queen has any constitutional significance and if so whether he will provide in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a statement regarding its significance.","AnswerText":"The Mace was presented by Her Majesty to The Scottish Parliament. It is a modern embodiment of an ancient symbol of power, legitimacy and the relationship between Parliament and the Crown, and is a reminder of the Parliament's authority. The Mace is at present on view in the National Museum of Scotland. In future recesses it is intended to be on view in a secure glass case in the Chamber, when I will consider the suggestion of such a statement being mounted alongside.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137541,"EventID":"S1W-00537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an estimate of the annual revenue from tourism in Scotland in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an estimate of the annual revenue from tourism in Scotland in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999.","AnswerText":"Tourism spend in Scotland in 1997 was estimated to be £2.6 billion, a record sum, and in 1998 to be £2.5 billion, both at today's prices. The Scottish Tourist Board is forecasting modest growth for the industry in 1999.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137542,"EventID":"S1W-00539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will impose a moratorium on all planning applications which it has called in for open cast mining until the Newcastle University study \"Do particulates from op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will impose a moratorium on all planning applications which it has called in for open cast mining until the Newcastle University study \"Do particulates from open cast mining impair health?\" is completed.","AnswerText":"No. Further consideration will be given to existing planning advice when the outcome of the research is known. NPPG 16 was published in March 1999. It introduced a robust new framework for the control of opencast coal mining and is intended to ensure that full weight is given to the effects of mining on local communities and the environment. The guidance confirmed that the research was under way and that further consideration would be given to existing planning advice when the outcome of the research is known. In the meantime, the industry and planning authorities were asked to adopt a cautious approach and ensure that proposals and developments do not result in an unacceptable level of airborne dust. The Scottish executive will do likewise in considering cases that come before it.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137543,"EventID":"S1W-00540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct all Scottish councils to impose a moratorium on all planning applications for open cast mining until the Newcastle University study, \"Do particul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct all Scottish councils to impose a moratorium on all planning applications for open cast mining until the Newcastle University study, \"Do particulates from open cast mining impair health?\" is completed.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Paterson to the answer I gave with respect to question S1W-539.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137544,"EventID":"S1W-00541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the number and the percentage of the total number of (a) hospital consultants, (b) junior doctors working in hospitals and (c) GPs, who have resigned due to stres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the number and the percentage of the total number of (a) hospital consultants, (b) junior doctors working in hospitals and (c) GPs, who have resigned due to stress related illness in each health board area in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"The NHS in Scotland does not collect data on the specific reasons for the retirement of doctors on the grounds of ill heath. Such information is considered a matter of confidentiality between the retiring doctor and his/her GP.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137545,"EventID":"S1W-00542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the resources which local authorities will need in order to provide the necessary support for individual school pupils with disabilities ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the resources which local authorities will need in order to provide the necessary support for individual school pupils with disabilities whose families have a wish, based on appropriate assessment, for them to attend mainstream schools, and what priority has been given to providing these resources.","AnswerText":"Provision for special educational needs is made within the local government finance settlement. Grant-aided expenditure in 1999-2000 in respect of special educational needs is £169.360 million, an increase of 7.1% on 1998-99. In addition, specific grant of £4.685 million is available to local authorities for in-service staff development and training in special educational needs.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137546,"EventID":"S1W-00543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria exist for the prescription of beta interferon in Scotland, whether these criteria are the same throughout Scotland, and, if they are not, what action it wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria exist for the prescription of beta interferon in Scotland, whether these criteria are the same throughout Scotland, and, if they are not, what action it will take to ensure that beta interferon is prescribed when it is needed.","AnswerText":"The criteria for the prescription of Beta Interferon are based on objective consideration of all available guidance. This includes guidance about new drugs for multiple sclerosis, which was issued to all Health Boards in 1995 from The Scottish Office Department of Health and the advice from their expert Committees.The criteria contained in the advice given by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee is that GPs should determine on clinical grounds whether to refer patients for specialist assessment. The clinical grounds include mobility and disease type. The specialist should take into account the patient's clinical history and contra indications of the drug when determining the suitability of treatment for an individual patient. Where treatment is indicated, it should be initiated and continued by the specialist. Only certain patients with multiple sclerosis benefit from the use of this drug, and decisions as to individual patients' eligibility for treatment depends on the clinical judgement of the medical practitioners' concerned.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137547,"EventID":"S1W-00544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government about changes proposed in the postal service, in particular about how these changes will affect ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or will make to Her Majesty's Government about changes proposed in the postal service, in particular about how these changes will affect postal services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government over a range of matters, including those relating to the Post Office.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137548,"EventID":"S1W-00545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government with regard to reviewing the practice of requiring Scottish Executive employees to retire at the age of 6","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government with regard to reviewing the practice of requiring Scottish Executive employees to retire at the age of 60.","AnswerText":"The retirement age of staff of the Scottish Executive is a matter for the Scottish Executive to determine.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137549,"EventID":"S1W-00546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding any changes required in the rules and conventions governing civil servants because of their involve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding any changes required in the rules and conventions governing civil servants because of their involvement in attending committees of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Civil Service Code has already been adjusted to take account of devolution. Subject to the terms of the code, matters relating to the conduct of civil servants, including their appearance before Committees of the Scottish Parliament, are within the delegated responsibilities of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137550,"EventID":"S1W-00547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that girls and boys have equal opportunities to participate in youth sports schemes which it funds or promotes, especially team sports such a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that girls and boys have equal opportunities to participate in youth sports schemes which it funds or promotes, especially team sports such as football, rugby and basketball.","AnswerText":"We are committed to providing sporting opportunities for all through various programmes delivered by sportscotland. An integral part of all of the sportscotland youth sport programmes is a firm commitment to equal opportunities for boys and girls. Indeed, 3 of the 7 main aims of the Team Sport Scotland Programme are relevant to the issue. These aims are: To encourage the development of mixed team games. To encourage initiatives which attract girls to participate. To motivate and train more female leaders and coaches. In recent years there has been a significant increase in girls' participation and currently there are 4000 registered female football players under the age of 16. Recent research has shown, however, that nearer 33,000 female players under the age of 16 are regularly participating in football. In the last 8 years the number of qualified female coaches has increased from around 200 to approximately 3,500. In basketball, team participation in primary school competition is conditional upon equal numbers of boys and girls making up the team. In the recent National Basketball Summer Camp Programme, 40% of all participants were young female players.Scottish Rugby Union policy in relation to the development of rugby is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to play rugby at school or club and to develop their talents through organised and competitive structures.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137551,"EventID":"S1W-00548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to ban fox-hunting with dogs in Scotland before, or subsequent to, the introduction of similar legislation for England and Wales by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to ban fox-hunting with dogs in Scotland before, or subsequent to, the introduction of similar legislation for England and Wales by Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to introduce legislation to ban fox-hunting with dogs.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137552,"EventID":"S1W-00549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a study into the viability of re-opening a rail link between Perth and Edinburgh via Milnathort, Kinross, Kelty and Dunfermline and what effect t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a study into the viability of re-opening a rail link between Perth and Edinburgh via Milnathort, Kinross, Kelty and Dunfermline and what effect the link would have on traffic density on the Forth Road Bridge.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to commission a study on the re-opening of a railway from Perth to Edinburgh via Kinross.I understand that Fife Council has commissioned two transport studies relevant to the question. The South Fife and Forth Estuary Public Transport Study includes an examination of the feasibility of re-opening the Cowdenbeath to Kinross railway line to passenger traffic. The Fife and South Tayside Rail Study is looking at ways of improving rail services on existing lines in the Fife, Perth and Dundee area. The Scottish Executive awaits with interest the final outcome of the studies and Fife Council's views upon them.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137553,"EventID":"S1W-00550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate measures to promote any economic benefits of fox-hunting to rural Scotland in the light of the proposed ban of fox-hunting in England and Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate measures to promote any economic benefits of fox-hunting to rural Scotland in the light of the proposed ban of fox-hunting in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137554,"EventID":"S1W-00551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether dates have been set for the commencement and completion of the replacement for the Kincardine Bridge, whether the costs of upgrading the A977 North of Kilbagie ro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether dates have been set for the commencement and completion of the replacement for the Kincardine Bridge, whether the costs of upgrading the A977 North of Kilbagie roundabout have been established, and what the potential economic benefits of these developments are to North West Fife.","AnswerText":"A preferred line for a new crossing of the Forth at Kincardine was announced in November 1998. Consultants are currently being appointed to take forward the complex issues of ecological, aesthetic and engineering design. Draft orders under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 are expected to be published in spring 2001 and, if there are objections to the orders, a public local inquiry will follow. The construction timetable depends upon completion of these statutory procedures and upon the availability of trunk road resources. Construction is unlikely to be able to start before 2003. The proposed new crossing will connect the existing Bowtrees roundabout at the junction of the M876 and A907 on the south bank of the estuary to the Gartarry roundabout at the junction of the A977 and the A907 on the north bank. The A977 north of Gartarry roundabout is not a trunk road and any future improvements are a matter for the relevant local authorities.Previous studies of local economic development concluded that increased tourism and the attraction and retention of mobile investment would be the principal economic benefits to the adjoining areas from the construction of the new crossing.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137555,"EventID":"S1W-00552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will improve interpreting services for ethnic minorities in the criminal justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will improve interpreting services for ethnic minorities in the criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to page 11 of "An Action Plan for Scotland", the Scottish Executive's response to The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry which was launched on Tuesday 20 July, copies of which are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. In the report we have acknowledged that the current provision of interpretation services to victims of crime and their families is not consistent in its delivery. As a consequence, the Scottish Executive, in consultation with ACPOS, COSLA and other interested parties, will be examining the provision and standard of interpretation and translating services across the criminal justice system.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137556,"EventID":"S1W-00553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list, by Health Board area, the Scottish Hospitals with in-patient paediatric services, and indicate how many of these services are currently subject to r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list, by Health Board area, the Scottish Hospitals with in-patient paediatric services, and indicate how many of these services are currently subject to review.","AnswerText":"Information on hospitals which provided acute inpatient paediatric services in each Health Board area during the year to 31 March 1999 is provided in the Table. Health Service strategies are kept under review as part of the Health Improvement Programme process introduced in 1998. Every Health Board must set out its intentions annually for service developments in its area for the following five years. Where a planned development represents a significant change of use of a hospital or contains proposals for hospital closure, there must be full public consultation. Health Boards currently carrying out a review of acute paediatric services are shown in the Table.
NHS in Scotland: NHS Hospitals Providing Acute Inpatient Paediatric Services1 During The Year Ending 31 March 1999p HEALTH BOARD2/HOSPITAL | REVIEW OF ACUTE INPATIENT PAEDIATRIC SERVICE | Argyll and Clyde | Yes | Inverclyde Royal Hospital | | Royal Alexandra Hospital | | Vale of Leven District General Hospital | | | | | Ayrshire and Arran | Yes | Crosshouse Hospital | | The Ayr Hospital | | | | | Borders | No | Borders General Hospital | | | | | Dumfries and Galloway | No | Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary | | | | | Fife | Yes | Queen Margaret Hospital | | Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy | |
NHS in Scotland: NHS Hospitals Providing Acute Inpatient Paediatric Services1 During The Year Ending 31 March 1999p (Continued) HEALTH BOARD1/HOSPITAL2 | REVIEW OF ACUTE INPATIENT PAEDIATRIC SERVICE | Forth Valley | Yes | Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary | | | However, the numbers of students who graduated from Scottish universities or colleges with a first degree in Ophthalmics, which includes Orthoptics and Optometry, are as follows: 1994-95 58 1995-96 52 1996-97 63 Information prior to 1994-95 academic session is not readily available.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137561,"EventID":"S1W-00558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide details of the proportion of finance for the maintenance of Private Finance Initiative contracts for new capital projects within the National Health Service in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide details of the proportion of finance for the maintenance of Private Finance Initiative contracts for new capital projects within the National Health Service in Scotland which is being met from the revenue budgets of NHS Trusts, by project and by Trust.","AnswerText":"Until the contract for a PFI funded project has been signed, and the development is available for use, no revenue costs fall on the NHS Trust concerned. Once the project is being used by a NHS Trust, it pays a charge for that use from revenue funds. Details of the revenue costs of individual PFI projects are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137562,"EventID":"S1W-00560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will explain the rationale behind the decision to keep the minutes of discussion in the National Goose Forum confidential.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will explain the rationale behind the decision to keep the minutes of discussion in the National Goose Forum confidential.","AnswerText":"he National Goose Forum decided that, in order to encourage full and frank discussion of the complex and sensitive issues which Ministers asked it to address, the minutes of its discussions should be confidential. It has, however, prepared and updated regularly a progress report which has been sent to anyone wishing information on the work of the Forum.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137563,"EventID":"S1W-00561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report into the operation of Caledonian MacBrayne ferries on the Firth of Clyde will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report into the operation of Caledonian MacBrayne ferries on the Firth of Clyde will be published.","AnswerText":"In 1997 The Scottish Office commissioned consultants Deloitte & Touche to examine future options for the provision of ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon. The report was received by the Government at the end of last year. One of the options was identified late in the research and the Government commissioned additional work to explore this more fully. This further material has now been received and I plan to make the reports publicly available soon.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137564,"EventID":"S1W-00562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority is being given to the maintenance and upgrading of Dunoon Pier as part of an integrated ferry transport policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority is being given to the maintenance and upgrading of Dunoon Pier as part of an integrated ferry transport policy.","AnswerText":"Dunoon Pier is owned by Argyll and Bute Council and its maintenance and upgrading is a matter for the Council. However, the Government has made allowances for Argyll and Bute's special needs in respect of piers and harbours generally, by providing additional resources to the council through a special needs allowance through the non-housing capital allocation formula.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137565,"EventID":"S1W-00563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide a route by route analysis of each ferry route under the operation of Caledonian MacBrayne.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide a route by route analysis of each ferry route under the operation of Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"The Annual Report and Accounts of Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd provide results analysed by area of operation. There are no plans to provide this information on a rate by rate basis.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137566,"EventID":"S1W-00564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out on alternative pricing strategies for Caledonian MacBrayne.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out on alternative pricing strategies for Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"A study on the impact of changes in ferry fares was commissioned in 1998 by The Scottish Office and presented to the November 1998 meeting of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands. It was agreed that the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum be invited to consider the report in greater detail, including consideration of options for further study, and to report back to the Convention. The Forum's views are awaited.Revenue deficit grant, amounting to £14.8 million for 1999-2000, is made available by the Government to enable Caledonian MacBrayne to keep fares as low as possible.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137567,"EventID":"S1W-00565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out on the health implications of mobile telephone masts in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out on the health implications of mobile telephone masts in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive adopts a precautionary principle where hazards and the risks of these being realised are concerned. The Scottish Executive takes advice on this from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), which is, in turn, advised by its Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation, chaired by Sir Richard Doll. NRPB staff are in continuing contact with similar bodies worldwide. The NRPB's advice indicates that the field strength of signals from mobile telephone masts at places to which the public have access are much below recommended guideline levels and should present no hazard to health. The Board's advice is based on its own research throughout the UK and on assessments, by its Advisory Group On Non-Ionising Radiation, of biological and epidemiological work world-wide.The Board has recently been asked to set up an independent expert group to assess the extent of knowledge relevant to possible effects on health associated with the use of mobile phones and telephone communication masts. The group will be chaired by Sir William Stewart FRS FRSE. Its detailed membership and terms of reference have already been announced.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137568,"EventID":"S1W-00566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports by Strathclyde Police relating to the commission of crime were submitted to the Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin during 1998 and how many o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports by Strathclyde Police relating to the commission of crime were submitted to the Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin during 1998 and how many of these reports resulted in the issue of conditional offers and other disposals alternative to prosecution.","AnswerText":" I refer the member to the answer to PQ S1W-00567.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137569,"EventID":"S1W-00567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of conditional offers issued by the Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin in respect of non-motoring offences during 1998 were paid in full.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of conditional offers issued by the Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin in respect of non-motoring offences during 1998 were paid in full.","AnswerText":"During the calendar year 1998, the Procurator Fiscal at Glasgow and Strathkelvin received a total of 68,103 reports of crime. The total includes cases reported by agencies other than Strathclyde Police, for example British Transport Police and the Health & Safety Executive. It is not possible to extract a separate total of cases submitted by Strathclyde Police.During 1998 the Procurator Fiscal issued 12,695 conditional offers of fiscal fines; warnings were issued in 8,975 cases; 2,409 cases were disposed of by means of conditional offers of fixed penalty, in respect of road traffic matters; 83 cases were concluded by way of diversion; and 1,196 cases were either transferred to the Scottish Children's Reporter Agency, transferred to another Procurator Fiscal's Office or associated with another case against the same accused.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137570,"EventID":"S1W-00568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-335 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 14 July 1999, what specific proposals it will bring forward to improve housing provision for Scotland's","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-335 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 14 July 1999, what specific proposals it will bring forward to improve housing provision for Scotland's black and ethnic minority communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will seek to ensure that all people in Scotland, irrespective of ethnic origin, benefit from its housing policies and the housing programmes of Scottish Homes and local authorities. The new Race Equality Advisory Forum will advise on a strategy dealing with broader racial equality issues, including housing. It will also encourage the creation of long term partnerships across communities to address such issues effectively.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137571,"EventID":"S1W-00569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-375 by Iain Gray on 2 July 1999, whether it plans to provide any additional resources in order to implement the key recommendations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-375 by Iain Gray on 2 July 1999, whether it plans to provide any additional resources in order to implement the key recommendations of the review into services for people with a learning disability.","AnswerText":"Our forward plans for health and social work generally already allow for increased expenditure of £680 million over the next two years. The review itself will consider whether the significant resources already spent are being used effectively and whether new resources may be needed. The review will report to Ministers around the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137572,"EventID":"S1W-00570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide details of the progress to date and timescales for the building of the M74 extension between Parkhead and the Kingston Bridge, and of how it will be financed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide details of the progress to date and timescales for the building of the M74 extension between Parkhead and the Kingston Bridge, and of how it will be financed.","AnswerText":"The M74 Northern Extension is one of 17 major road schemes being considered in the Strategic Roads Review. I expect to report to Parliament on the review after the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137573,"EventID":"S1W-00571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support Glasgow City Council in implementing traffic reduction measures and improvements in public transport in the Glasgow area as an alternative to buil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support Glasgow City Council in implementing traffic reduction measures and improvements in public transport in the Glasgow area as an alternative to building the M74 extension.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council has already been awarded £4.75m from the Public Transport Fund towards the cost of developing the Faifley to Baillieston bus corridor. Bids for the next round of allocations are due by 16 August and I am looking forward to receiving a range of innovative initiatives to improve public transport.Local authorities are also due to submit draft local transport strategies by 30 July. I expect these to contain proposals to reduce traffic, to promote public transport and to explain how proposals for new road building contribute to the integrated and sustainable transport strategy to which the Scottish Executive is committed.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137574,"EventID":"S1W-00572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm levels below which companies affected by planning blight can claim compensation, and whether it will consider re-examining these limits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm levels below which companies affected by planning blight can claim compensation, and whether it will consider re-examining these limits.","AnswerText":"In order to claim compensation for a non-domestic property which is affected by planning blight, the annual rateable value of the property must not exceed £21,500. This limit was set in 1995. There are no plans at present to alter the limit, but compulsory purchase, compensation and related matters are currently under review.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137575,"EventID":"S1W-00573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recognise Glasgow's metropolitan status in serving an area much wider than its designated boundaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recognise Glasgow's metropolitan status in serving an area much wider than its designated boundaries.","AnswerText":"We already recognise the additional pressures which Glasgow and other major urban centres face. The local government finance settlement takes account of commuters and other non-residents in the assessments for a number of council services.These distribution arrangements are kept under review, with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, through the joint local government finance Distribution Committee. ","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137576,"EventID":"S1W-00574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take when dealing with new open cast planning applications from companies which have been in breach of planning regulations and/or health and safety r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take when dealing with new open cast planning applications from companies which have been in breach of planning regulations and/or health and safety regulations with regard to their existing mining operations.","AnswerText":"As with all planning applications, each case must be judged on its merits. The publication of a tougher planning policy guidance framework for opencast coal on 31 March 1999 should ensure that applications are subjected to greater scrutiny. Developers will be expected to match the higher standards that are now expected so that greater protection can be given to communities and the environment. Where consent is granted, arrangements should be put in place to ensure development is carried out in accordance with the planning permission and various other control regimes. These are matters for the planning authority and the other control authorities such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and other local authority departments. The relevant body should respond to breaches with speedy and robust action.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137577,"EventID":"S1W-00575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a list of Ministers and departments, together with their current departmental addresses, telephone numbers and private office contact details.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a list of Ministers and departments, together with their current departmental addresses, telephone numbers and private office contact details.","AnswerText":"A list will be provided shortly to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).","AnswerDate":"1999-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137578,"EventID":"S1W-00576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the Greater Glasgow Health Board has any involvement in proposals for the future of the Healthcare International hospital at Clydebank.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the Greater Glasgow Health Board has any involvement in proposals for the future of the Healthcare International hospital at Clydebank.","AnswerText":"In 1997 Health Care International (HCI) expressed interest in Greater Glasgow Health Board's proposals to create a new Western Infirmary under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Those proposals were not pursued.Currently Greater Glasgow Health Board and the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust are developing new proposals for acute hospital services in West Glasgow as described in the Health Board's Health Improvement Programme. Any proposal from Health Care International would be considered on its merits. No such proposal has been made.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137579,"EventID":"S1W-00577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the resources available to local authorities in order to support the educational requirements of disabled children with special needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the resources available to local authorities in order to support the educational requirements of disabled children with special needs.","AnswerText":"Grant-aided expenditure for special educational needs within the local government finance settlement for 1999-2000 is £169.36 million, an increase of 7.1% on the previous year. In addition, an additional £3 million has been allocated through specific grant for local authority in-service staff development and training in special educational needs which now totals £4.685 million.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137580,"EventID":"S1W-00578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the design team for the Holyrood Project has been appointed under standard RIBA/RIAS conditions of engagement and, if so, at 10 June 1999 what fee payment stage ha","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the design team for the Holyrood Project has been appointed under standard RIBA/RIAS conditions of engagement and, if so, at 10 June 1999 what fee payment stage had been reached in respect of the design of the members' building and the assembly building.","AnswerText":"Each member of the Design Team has been appointed under the appropriate 'terms of appointment' issued by the professional body relevant to their individual discipline. The standard terms have been amended to take into account the particular nature of the project and the specific requirements of the Client. As at 10 June the Design Team were progressing into Stage E "Detail Design" for the building as a whole.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137581,"EventID":"S1W-00579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether, in the light of the report on the Holyrood Project which indicated that the construction only cost of the new Parliament Building was #2,696 per square metre of f","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether, in the light of the report on the Holyrood Project which indicated that the construction only cost of the new Parliament Building was #2,696 per square metre of floor space, he will state how this compares with other major public works projects in Scotland in recent years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body is not responsible for, and holds no information about the construction costs of other public work projects in Scotland, and because of the unique nature of the Parliament building, it would be inadvisable to make comparisons with other recently constructed Scottish public buildings.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137582,"EventID":"S1W-00580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer to specify the number of Parliamentary administrative staff to be accommodated in the new Parliament building under (a) the #50 million cost plan and (b) the revised #62 m","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer to specify the number of Parliamentary administrative staff to be accommodated in the new Parliament building under (a) the #50 million cost plan and (b) the revised #62 million cost plan.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table. Staff/Worker Category(1) | Original Brief (£50m)(2) | Revised Brief (£62m)(2) | Parliamentary Clerks (3) | 45 | 64 | Administrative Staff, | 64 | 145 |
(1) Clerks and other administrative staff as estimated at March 1999.(2) Excludes VAT, fees, contingencies, etc.(3) Including the clerks support staff","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137583,"EventID":"S1W-00581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer to specify the total value of the contracts awarded to date in respect of the Holyrood Project and what percentage of the total value relates to provisional sums.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer to specify the total value of the contracts awarded to date in respect of the Holyrood Project and what percentage of the total value relates to provisional sums.","AnswerText":"To date 'works package' contracts totalling just under £2.5 million have been awarded in respect of the Holyrood Project. No provisional sums have been included in those contracts.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137584,"EventID":"S1W-00582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what boundaries are implied by the use of the word 'Scotland' in Section 29(2)(a) of the Scotland Act 1998 and whether it will provide details relating to these boundarie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what boundaries are implied by the use of the word 'Scotland' in Section 29(2)(a) of the Scotland Act 1998 and whether it will provide details relating to these boundaries to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"For the purposes of the Scotland Act 1998, "Scotland" bears its ordinary meaning which derives from a variety of sources, some statutory, some based in common law and some based on generally accepted historical fact. Section 126(1) of the 1998 Act expressly defines "Scotland" as including so much of the internal waters and territorial sea of the United Kingdom as are adjacent to Scotland. Section 126(2) enables the boundary to be determined by subordinate legislation between waters which are or are not to be treated for the purposes of the 1998 Act as internal waters or territorial sea of the United kingdom adjacent to Scotland. The Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1126) specifies the boundary.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137585,"EventID":"S1W-00583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer to specify the number of Parliamentary administrative staff to be accommodated in the new Parliament building under (a) the #50 million cost plan and (b) the revised #62 m","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer to specify the number of Parliamentary administrative staff to be accommodated in the new Parliament building under (a) the #50 million cost plan and (b) the revised #62 million cost plan.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table.Staff/Worker Category(1) | Original Brief (£50m)(2) | Revised Brief (£62m)(2) | Parliamentary Clerks (3) | 45 | 64 | Administrative Staff, | 64 | 145 |
(1) Clerks and other administrative staff as estimated at March 1999.(2) Excludes VAT, fees, contingencies, etc.(3) Including the clerks support staff","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137586,"EventID":"S1W-00584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a list of the local authorities in Scotland who pay more than 25 per cent of their bills from contractors and suppliers after 30 days from the date due for pay","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a list of the local authorities in Scotland who pay more than 25 per cent of their bills from contractors and suppliers after 30 days from the date due for payment.","AnswerText":"Information on the percentage of invoices paid within 30 days is published by the Accounts Commission in their Annual Report "Comparing the Performance of Scottish Councils 1997-98" (Figure 3). Based on this information, the authorities that paid more than 25 per cent of their bills after 30 days during 1997-98 were as follows:Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Dundee City, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, City of Glasgow, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Stirling, and West Lothian.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137587,"EventID":"S1W-00585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been made to prepare local authorities in Scotland for the possible entry of the United Kingdom into European Monetary Union between 2002 and 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been made to prepare local authorities in Scotland for the possible entry of the United Kingdom into European Monetary Union between 2002 and 2005.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are both represented on the Joint Central/Local Government Working Group set up by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) to consider the introduction of the Euro. In addition HM Treasury will step up its contacts with first-wave member states in order to learn from their experiences and will work with other Government Departments, the Scottish Executive and local government to develop pilot projects to act as a guide for preparations in other organisations.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137588,"EventID":"S1W-00586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the estimated cost to local authorities in Scotland of converting from Sterling to the Euro and whether local authorities will be expected to meet this cost fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the estimated cost to local authorities in Scotland of converting from Sterling to the Euro and whether local authorities will be expected to meet this cost from their existing resources.","AnswerText":"The cost of changeover would depend on the approach taken. By undertaking advance planning and preparations, we will ensure that local authorities are in a position to make a smooth and cost-effective changeover.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137589,"EventID":"S1W-00587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages any disruption to local authority services in Scotland as a result of preparing for the possible entry of the United Kingdom into European Monetary U","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages any disruption to local authority services in Scotland as a result of preparing for the possible entry of the United Kingdom into European Monetary Union.","AnswerText":"A Joint Central/Local Government Working Group has been established to ensure that any disruption that arises from a decision to join the Economic and Monetary Union is kept to a minimum as far as local authority services are concerned. The Scottish Executive and COSLA are members of the Group.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137590,"EventID":"S1W-00588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the expected impact on the financial systems of local authorities in Scotland in the event of the United Kingdom entering European Monetary Union and what measure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the expected impact on the financial systems of local authorities in Scotland in the event of the United Kingdom entering European Monetary Union and what measures will be put in place to deal with the impact.","AnswerText":"There would be considerable implications for financial systems. For example systems including payroll, pension, purchasing and billing operations would need to be adapted to handle the Euro as would council tax and business rate collection arrangements. Coin-operated machines would need altered and pricing policies examined.The precise implications would vary from council to council. In the event of the UK joining it would be up to each council to identify the impact on its operations; and to plan accordingly. But in that event support and guidance would be offered based, amongst other things, on experience in first-wave countries and on pilot projects. Information and experience will be shared through the central/local government working group and the local authorities' own network of officials.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137591,"EventID":"S1W-00589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-270 by Ross Finnie on 13 July, what measures at the disposal of the European Commission it intends to encourage the Commission to us","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-270 by Ross Finnie on 13 July, what measures at the disposal of the European Commission it intends to encourage the Commission to use to assist the pig farming industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We shall continue to press the European Commission to use the main measures - namely export refunds and private storage aids - at its disposal in as cost-effective a way as possible to help deal with over-production in the pigmeat sector.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137592,"EventID":"S1W-00590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the operation of the Conservation of Seals Act (1970) to ensure that enforcement arrangements are as effective as possible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the operation of the Conservation of Seals Act (1970) to ensure that enforcement arrangements are as effective as possible.","AnswerText":"All Scottish police forces have a Wildlife Liaison Officer whose responsibilities include enforcement of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and investigations of any alleged offences under the Act. The Scottish Executive maintains close contact with these officers to keep the operation of the Act under regular review.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137593,"EventID":"S1W-00591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the total number of staff currently employed in local authority economic development departments for Scotland as a whole and in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the total number of staff currently employed in local authority economic development departments for Scotland as a whole and in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following extract from the most recent edition of the Local Authority Joint Staffing Watch (published jointly by the Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) shows the number of full-time equivalent staff employed by Scottish local authorities at December 1998 for the provision of Planning and Economic Development services. Planning and Economic Development Services Local Authority | Full-time equivalent staff employed as at December 1998 | Aberdeen City | 170 | Aberdeenshire | 186 | Angus | 66 | Argyll & Bute | 68 | Clackmannanshire | 32 | Dumfries & Galloway | 95 | Dundee City | 140 | East Ayrshire | 82 | East Dunbartonshire | 57 | East Lothian | 46 | East Renfrewshire | 39 | Edinburgh, City of | 199 | Eilean Siar | 23 | Falkirk | 70 | Fife | 333 | Glasgow City | 257 | Highland | 149 | COMMERCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Budget Estimates | | 1999-2000 | | £000 | Aberdeen, City | 2,632 | Aberdeenshire | -1,939 | Angus | 892 | Argyll and Bute | 529 | Clackmannanshire | 91 | Dumfries & Galloway | 403 | Dundee | 1,893 | East Ayrshire | 1,871 | East Dunbartonshire | 935 | East Lothian | 294 | East Renfrewshire | 278 | Edinburgh, City | 2,264 | Eilean Siar | 1,068 | Falkirk | -852 | Fife | 4,964 | Glasgow City | 21,056 | ","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137595,"EventID":"S1W-00593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the projected expenditure for the current financial year by local authority economic development departments in Scotland on (a) staff and administration and (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the projected expenditure for the current financial year by local authority economic development departments in Scotland on (a) staff and administration and (b) economic development activities.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137596,"EventID":"S1W-00594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the current health service contracts which have been market tested and awarded to the private sector indicating: (a) the location; (b) the service type; (c) th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the current health service contracts which have been market tested and awarded to the private sector indicating: (a) the location; (b) the service type; (c) the organisation winning the tender, and (d) the expiry date of the contract.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137597,"EventID":"S1W-00595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to ensure that local authorities pay their bills from private suppliers and contractors on time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to ensure that local authorities pay their bills from private suppliers and contractors on time.","AnswerText":"Payment arrangements are a matter between local authorities and individual suppliers. However, we encourage local authorities to pay their bills promptly.The Accounts Commission publishes annual comparative information on local authorities' performance in making payments within agreed timescales. The Late Payment of Debt (Interest) Act 1998, which gives small businesses the right to claim interest for the late payment of debt from larger companies and public bodies, should also lead local authorities and other agencies to improve their payment practice. Finally, under Best Value, the Scottish Executive is encouraging local authorities to set performance targets for a wide range of services including for the prompt payment of bills.","AnswerDate":"1999-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137598,"EventID":"S1W-00596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the composition, terms of reference and timescale for completion of the review team established by the Chief Nursing Officer, as announced in \"To","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the composition, terms of reference and timescale for completion of the review team established by the Chief Nursing Officer, as announced in \"Towards A Healthier Scotland\" (February 1998), to review the contribution made by nurses to improving the public's health, focusing especially on the role of the health visitor, the school nurse and the practice nurse.","AnswerText":"Establishment of the Chief Nursing Officer's review of the contribution made by nurses to improving the public's health has been postponed pending the completion of the Chief Medical Officer's review of the public health function. Given the importance we attach to improving the health of the people of Scotland it is vital that these important pieces of work are complementary and focus the efforts of both professions on the considerable task facing us.Work on the Chief Medical Officer's review is nearing a conclusion and it is anticipated that a detailed proposal for the Chief Nursing Officer's review will be brought forward in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137599,"EventID":"S1W-00597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunity was given to representatives of the health professions and patients' organisations to nominate representatives to the review team established by the Chie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunity was given to representatives of the health professions and patients' organisations to nominate representatives to the review team established by the Chief Nursing Officer to examine the contribution made by nurses to improving the public's health, as announced in \"Towards a Healthier Scotland\", (February 1998).","AnswerText":"The steering group for the review of the contribution made by nurses to improving the public health has not yet been established. The Chief Nursing Officer wishes to ensure that all relevant professional and public interests are appropriately involved in the work of the review. Details of the membership of the review steering group will be available in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137600,"EventID":"S1W-00598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in commissioning the study into student nurse attrition rates, referred to in the Acute Services Review Report, (May 1998), and what is the ti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in commissioning the study into student nurse attrition rates, referred to in the Acute Services Review Report, (May 1998), and what is the timescale for completion and publication of the research findings.","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the Acute Services Review, it became apparent that a number of studies into student nurse attrition were already taking place. This included research by Stirling University, practical initiatives by other Scottish providers of nurse education, and a comprehensive study funded by the Welsh Office. The Scottish Office convened a seminar in April 1999, attended by representatives of all seven Scottish providers of diploma level pre-registration nurse education, and of a number of NHS Trusts. The findings from the various studies were presented, and ideas on how to reduce unnecessary attrition were shared. In view of the amount of knowledge already available, the seminar concluded that a further study by the Scottish Office was not a high priority. All seven institutions are tackling attrition in collaboration with their local Trusts. Their attrition rates are monitored annually by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137601,"EventID":"S1W-00599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the proposals to explore the \"underpinning causes of student nurse attrition\" referred to in the Acute Services Review Report, (May 1998), and whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the proposals to explore the \"underpinning causes of student nurse attrition\" referred to in the Acute Services Review Report, (May 1998), and whether it will make a statement.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to my earlier answer, S1W-00598.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137602,"EventID":"S1W-00601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to require local authority pension funds to have formal statements of investment principles setting out policies of socially responsible investment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to require local authority pension funds to have formal statements of investment principles setting out policies of socially responsible investment.","AnswerText":"My officials will be consulting interested parties shortly on proposals to require administering authorities responsible for local authority pension funds to publish statements of the principles governing their decisions about investments. Such statements will be required to include the extent to which social, as well as environmental and ethical, considerations are taken into account in the selection, retention and realisation of investments.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137603,"EventID":"S1W-00602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of alleged child abuse by former care staff in residential care homes have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal; how many prosecutions have come to court","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of alleged child abuse by former care staff in residential care homes have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal; how many prosecutions have come to court, and how many staff have been convicted in the last period for which figures are available and in each of the previous three years.","AnswerText":"The statistical information necessary to answer this question is not available. The term "child abuse" is too wide and would cover a huge spectrum of crimes - both common law and statutory. Information is not collated by reference to type of crime, occupation of accused, (either at the time of the offence or at present) or locus of crime. It is not anticipated that this type of statistical information will be recorded. Present statistical information refers to the number of cases prosecuted in the Summary and Solemn Courts.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137604,"EventID":"S1W-00603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cochlea transplants have been undertaken within the NHS in Scotland over the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cochlea transplants have been undertaken within the NHS in Scotland over the last five years.","AnswerText":"The total number of cochlear implants undertaken within the NHS in Scotland in the five years from 1994/95 is 176.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137605,"EventID":"S1W-00604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the locations where cochlea transplants have taken place throughout the last five years, and the number of transplants recorded at each location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the locations where cochlea transplants have taken place throughout the last five years, and the number of transplants recorded at each location.","AnswerText":"Cochlear implants undertaken in Scotland in the last five years have been carried out at the City Hospital, Edinburgh and Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock. The number undertaken at each centre is provided in the table. During that period, 8 children were also referred to Nottingham and 9 children referred to Manchester for cochlear implants. Number Of Cochlear Implants Carried Out In Scotland : 1994/95 - 1998/99 | | | 1994/95 | 1995/96 | 1996/97 | 1997/98 | 1998/99 | | | | | | | | | Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock | Adult Paediatric | 11 10 | 11 12 | 13 17 | 15 19 | 19 21 | | | | | | | | | City Hospital, Edinburgh | Adults | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137606,"EventID":"S1W-00605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm its commitment to continued development of cochlea transplant technology and implementation within the Ayrshire Hospital Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm its commitment to continued development of cochlea transplant technology and implementation within the Ayrshire Hospital Trust.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to securing for patients the benefits which cochlear implants can provide. The National Services Division of the Common Services Agency is currently carrying out a review of the provision of cochlear implant services in Scotland. Until that review is complete, we are unable to confirm a commitment to ongoing developments at any particular site.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137607,"EventID":"S1W-00606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what are the most up-to-date plans for enabling the Executive to use Dover House as the flagship location to further Scottish interests in Whitehall and which rooms have","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what are the most up-to-date plans for enabling the Executive to use Dover House as the flagship location to further Scottish interests in Whitehall and which rooms have been allocated for use by Scotland's First Minister and other Ministers.","AnswerText":"Dover House is the principal office building of the Secretary of State for Scotland and his Department, the Scotland Office. The Scotland Office provides space in Dover House for Ministers and officials of the Scottish Executive who have business in London.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137608,"EventID":"S1W-00607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what are the most up-to-date plans for the premises used by Scotland's Law Officers in Whitehall and whether these will be available as the key location to further the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what are the most up-to-date plans for the premises used by Scotland's Law Officers in Whitehall and whether these will be available as the key location to further the Scottish Executive's interests in relation to law and justice matters within Whitehall.","AnswerText":"The premises at 2 Carlton Gardens in London were formerly used by the Scottish Law Officers and their Legal Secretariat, and were vacated as from 2 July this year. No future use of Carlton Gardens by the Scottish Executive is planned.Scottish Law Officers are now based in Chambers Street, Edinburgh. As with other Scottish Ministers they have access to accommodation in Dover House, Whitehall, as required.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137609,"EventID":"S1W-00608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Fee Support Review Committee under Sir George Quigley will report and make recommendations on the effects of the decision that English, Welsh and Northe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Fee Support Review Committee under Sir George Quigley will report and make recommendations on the effects of the decision that English, Welsh and Northern Irish students pay #1,000 more for attending a four-year degree course than Scottish and other European Union students, and whether the Executive will be prepared to take early action itself, if necessary, to end this situation.","AnswerText":"The Committee chaired by Sir George Quigley is required by statute to report not later than 1 April, 2000. The Quigley Committee covers only one aspect of the review being carried out by the independent Committee of Inquiry on Student Finance in Scotland. This Committee is required to report by the end of this year at which time the Executive will consider all the recommendations made and its response and put these to Parliament.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137610,"EventID":"S1W-00609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for public sector Ombudsmen, whether it plans a review of all Ombudsmen's functions as is happening in England, and whether it will take account of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for public sector Ombudsmen, whether it plans a review of all Ombudsmen's functions as is happening in England, and whether it will take account of the models in Eire and Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"Section 91 of the Scotland Act 1998 requires the Scottish Parliament to make provision for the investigation of complaints of maladministration against the Scottish Executive. Until the necessary Act of the Scottish Parliament can be passed, the Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Complaints of Maladministration) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1351) provides for a Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration to investigate complaints in respect of the Scottish Executive and a range of public bodies. This office is held by Michael Buckley, who is also the UK Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and the Health Service Commissioner for Scotland.As part of its preparation for the necessary legislation, the Scottish Executive will be examining the current arrangements for public sector Ombudsmen in Scotland. In doing so we would expect to examine and draw on experience in the UK and elsewhere. In the meantime, the Scottish Executive would be happy to receive comments from members on the operation of the current arrangements.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137611,"EventID":"S1W-00610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been appointed to the Scottish Legal Aid Board since 1 April 1999 and what is the nature and grade of their appointments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been appointed to the Scottish Legal Aid Board since 1 April 1999 and what is the nature and grade of their appointments.","AnswerText":"The information is set out in the table.
Appointments to the Scottish Legal Aid Board from 1 April 1999 to 23 July 1999 Grade | Number of temporary appointments | Number of permanent appointments | Total | Chief Executive | - | 1 | 1 | Grade 3 (Team Leader) | 1 | 1 | 2 | Grade 2 (Assessment Officer) | 8 | 3 | 11 | Grade 1 (Administrative Assistant) | 6 | 7 | 13 | Total | 15 | 12 | 27 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137612,"EventID":"S1W-00611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Legal Aid Board staff have (a) resigned; (b) been dismissed from their posts, and (c) been suspended since 1 January 1999 and what categories of staff f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Legal Aid Board staff have (a) resigned; (b) been dismissed from their posts, and (c) been suspended since 1 January 1999 and what categories of staff fall into each of (a), (b) and (c).","AnswerText":"The information is set out in the table.Grade | 1 (Admin Assistant) | 2 (Assessment Officer) | 3 (Team Leader) | 4 (Specialist) | 5 (Assistant Manager) | 6 (Manager) | 7 (Director) | (Chief Executive) | Total | | | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Temp | Perm | Audit and Compliance | | | | | | 1* | | 1 | | | | | | | | | - | 2 | Chief Executive's office | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1*** | - | 1 | Finance (including Facilities) | | 3 | | | Target | Performance in June 1999 | Response to telephone calls. | None set. | - | Response to letters. | Full reply within 15 days. Target set in February 1998. | Information not available. | Assessment of accounts:- Civil legal aid* Criminal legal aid* Advice and Assistance* | All of the following targets were set in March 1999. 83% assessed within 4 weeks. 85% assessed within 2 weeks. 90% assessed within 2 weeks. | 77% 50% 84% | Payment of accounts. | None set. | - |
*Excludes payment period of 1 to 2 weeks.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137614,"EventID":"S1W-00613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board and what is the disposition of these staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board and what is the disposition of these staff.","AnswerText":"The number of staff by department employed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board as at 23 July 1999 is set out in the table. Department | Whole time equivalent staff | Audit and Compliance | 13.0 | Chief Executive's Office | 2.0 | Finance &common services | 36.2 | Information systems | 13.0 | Legal Services | 13.0 | Operations | 167.0 | Human Resources & Communications | 13.6 | Policy | 2.0 | Total | 259.8 |
","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137615,"EventID":"S1W-00614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of a comprehensive clinical audit system within each Health Board in Central Scotland and what priority has been given ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of a comprehensive clinical audit system within each Health Board in Central Scotland and what priority has been given to the establishment of such a system in the plans for creating a more client-focussed service.","AnswerText":"The 3 Health Boards and 6 Trusts serving Central Scotland (Ayrshire and Arran, Forth Valley and Lanarkshire) are refining their established clinical audit systems to reflect the new Trust configurations and their strategies for clinical effectiveness and patient/client focussed care. This is a high priority for all General Managers and Chief Executives in the NHS in Scotland and is signalled clearly in Health Improvement Programmes (HIPs), copies of which can be obtained from health Board Headquarters.","AnswerDate":"1999-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137616,"EventID":"S1W-00615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Justice will meet with Mrs Molly Godley, whose son Ian was killed in February 1998 in an alleged arson attack, to discuss with her the progress o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Justice will meet with Mrs Molly Godley, whose son Ian was killed in February 1998 in an alleged arson attack, to discuss with her the progress of the case.","AnswerText":"No. I am responsible for criminal prosecutions and the investigation of deaths in Scotland. I am sorry, but there is nothing I can add to the information which has already been provided to Mrs Godley and her representatives about the tragic death of her son.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137617,"EventID":"S1W-00616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to adhere to the expenditure plans for motorways and trunk roads improvement in the period 1999 to 2002 as outlined in 'Serving Scotland's Needs' (Marc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to adhere to the expenditure plans for motorways and trunk roads improvement in the period 1999 to 2002 as outlined in 'Serving Scotland's Needs' (March 1999).","AnswerText":"The expenditure plans set out in 'Serving Scotland's Needs' are the current estimates of spending for Scotland's programmes, including motorways and trunk roads. As I said during the debate on Financial Issues on 24 June, I intend to make a statement in the autumn on the financial expenditure announced in the partnership agreement, and our budget proposals for 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137618,"EventID":"S1W-00617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the total amount of money owed by local authorities in Scotland, in the current financial year, in respect of bills from contractors and suppliers after the da","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to specify the total amount of money owed by local authorities in Scotland, in the current financial year, in respect of bills from contractors and suppliers after the date due for payment.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"1999-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137619,"EventID":"S1W-00618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any businesses in Scotland which were made bankrupt as a result of the late payment of bills by local authorities in Scotland in the financial year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any businesses in Scotland which were made bankrupt as a result of the late payment of bills by local authorities in Scotland in the financial years 1997/98 and 1998/99 and, if so, how many.","AnswerText":"Official Insolvency Statistics are published quarterly by the Department of Trade and Industry. There were 2,585 individual insolvencies (sequestrations) and 501 company insolvencies in Scotland in 1997/98 and 3,090 individual insolvencies and 569 company insolvencies in 1998/99. A further breakdown of this information is not available.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137620,"EventID":"S1W-00619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that public sector organisations which are within its general responsibility and who are able to borrow in European currencies, revie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that public sector organisations which are within its general responsibility and who are able to borrow in European currencies, review their currency portfolios or any derivative contracts in order to avoid being locked into higher interest payments in the event of the entry of the United Kingdom into European Monetary Union.","AnswerText":"The only relevant public sector organisations currently borrowing from European Institutions are local authorities.The Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are both represented on the Joint Central/Local Government Working Group set up to consider the introduction of the Euro and possible later entry by the United Kingdom. Our involvement is designed to minimise any disruption or disadvantage which may result from UK adoption of the Euro.","AnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"1999-08-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137621,"EventID":"S1W-00620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"1999-07-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it intends to bring forward to revise planning procedures and guidance issued to local authorities relating to the siting and erection of telecommunication","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it intends to bring forward to revise planning procedures and guidance issued to local authorities relating to the siting and erection of telecommunication masts.","AnswerText":"The erection of telecommunications masts require planning permission except where they qualify for permitted development rights under Class 67 of the Town and Country Planning) (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992. In December 1998, the then Scottish Office Planning Minister, Calum MacDonald MP, announced a number of measures on telecommunications, which included increasing the degree of control over telecommunications development permitted by the aforementioned Order. Those measures included:
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