That is why the forthcoming consultation exercise on modernising the public appointments system, announced by Jack McConnell last month, will explore what more can be done to encourage women, disabled people and people from ethnic minorities to apply for public appointments.
The consultation paper will also seek views as to whether the targets inherited from the Scottish Office for achieving greater representation of women and ethnic minorities in public appointments are relevant.
In the meantime, the recently formed Equality Unit is working closely with the Public Appointments Unit to take forward work on gender, race and disability to ensure that equal opportunities is an integral part of the appointments process.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134960,"EventID":"S1F-00047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will take a leadership role in devising a strategy for Scotland to take advantage, socially and economically, of the opportunities offered by n","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will take a leadership role in devising a strategy for Scotland to take advantage, socially and economically, of the opportunities offered by new and emerging information and communications technologies.","AnswerText":"We are doing so. The Executive’s Digital Scotland initiative was debated here on 18 November last year. I believe there is general support for the initiative. It draws together a great deal of important work across the Executive and elsewhere in the public and private sectors in Scotland. We made clear in the debate that our aim is to ensure that Scotland exploits the full potential of the world-wide digital communications revolution and does so within timescales that give and retain real competitive advantage. That remains the case.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134961,"EventID":"S1F-00064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether he will outline the future programme of work of the British-Irish Council and in particular the role that the Scottish Executive will play in it.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether he will outline the future programme of work of the British-Irish Council and in particular the role that the Scottish Executive will play in it.","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the British-Irish Council identified an initial list of issues for early consideration by the Council. With the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Executive is taking lead responsibility for the Council's consideration of one of these: social inclusion. The Council's next summit will take place in Dublin, in June this year, when the main item for discussion will be drugs.
We will of course have the opportunity of a full debate on the British-Irish Council next week.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134962,"EventID":"S1F-00076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to improve school buildings in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to improve school buildings in Scotland.","AnswerText":"An additional £115.7 million over five years was announced in the July 1997 Budget under the New Deal for Schools. We have, in partnership with CoSLA, enhanced authorities' ability to prioritise their capital expenditure in favour of school building work. And this is complemented by public private partnership schemes in 10 authorities with a capital value of around £430 million.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134963,"EventID":"S1F-00108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive are taking to promote integrated transport and to promote the use and quality of public transport services.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive are taking to promote integrated transport and to promote the use and quality of public transport services.","AnswerText":"Our legislative proposals announced by Sarah Boyack earlier today represent a good deal for the public transport user and a good deal for the motorist. Our vision is to deliver a public transport system comparable with the best in Europe, whilst giving fair treatment to the motorist.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134964,"EventID":"S1F-00147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive is taking to support manufacturing exports.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive is taking to support manufacturing exports.","AnswerText":"Scottish Trade International (STI), a joint organisation between The Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise, delivers government trade services on behalf of British Trade International in Scotland. Support is provided in the context of The International Challenge, a five year Export Development Strategy for Scotland, the aim of which is to enable companies to achieve greater success in international markets.
Our success, which has contributed to the vibrant Scottish economy, is reflected by:
Total manufactured exports which, at current prices, show an increase of 7.8% in the year to the end of December 1999.
The SCDI Manufactured Goods Survey which shows that Scotland's share of UK manufactured exports rose to a record 12.3% in 1998-99.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134965,"EventID":"S1F-00167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what measures are being taken to increase the employment opportunities of those in Scotland's most disadvantaged areas.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what measures are being taken to increase the employment opportunities of those in Scotland's most disadvantaged areas.","AnswerText":"We are committed to promoting social justice and equality of opportunity for everyone in Scotland, and this includes increasing the employment rates of groups that are disadvantaged in the labour market.
We now have a network of 47 Social Inclusion Partnerships tackling social exclusion in disadvantaged communities and groups across rural and urban Scotland, many of which have a strong focus on employment, skills development and economic development.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134966,"EventID":"S1F-00185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what environmental and agricultural damage, if any, was caused by US Navy Ships shelling the Cape Wrath coast last week.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what environmental and agricultural damage, if any, was caused by US Navy Ships shelling the Cape Wrath coast last week.","AnswerText":"The Ministry of Defence land at Cape Wrath is used by all NATO forces and has been in use as a bombing range since at least 1933. I understand from the Ministry of Defence that the use of the range by US Navy ships last weekend was part of the normal activity on the range.
I am assured by Scottish Natural Heritage that the controlled use of the range is consistent with the maintenance of the nature conservation value of the area, which has been classified as a Special Protection Area under the EC Birds Directive in recognition of the birdlife which co-exists successfully with the operation of the range.
The range area is not in agricultural use.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134967,"EventID":"S1F-00186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how social housing in rural areas will be supported.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how social housing in rural areas will be supported.","AnswerText":"Ms Wendy Alexander yesterday announced the Scottish Homes development programme for 2000-01 which included an allocation of £45 million for housing in rural Scotland, an increase of over £4 million from the current year. This would allow for almost 1,570 new and improved homes in rural Scotland of which 1,260 will be for social renting. Ms Wendy Alexander also announced the launch of a Rural Partnership for Change pilot programme with Highland Council to test out a new approach to tackling housing problems in pressured rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134968,"EventID":"S1F-00213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to tackle heart disease, particularly amongst women, in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to tackle heart disease, particularly amongst women, in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, we set up a Coronary Heart Disease Task Force in August 1998. Its remit includes equity of access to cardiac services, the assessment of Scottish needs, development of Managed Clinical Networks and a range of waiting list issues. Last year we allocated an additional £7 million to the NHS specifically to tackle coronary artery bypass grafts.
The task force has been concerned throughout its work to identify and address any issues affecting women who have Coronary Heart Disease.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134969,"EventID":"S1F-00217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to review the working of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to review the working of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, as an executive Non-Departmental Public Body, is subject to the usual framework of control, accountability and review which applies to all such bodies.
Comprehensive policy and financial management reviews take place at least once every five years, more frequently if necessary. It is planned that the first such review will be in 2004.
In addition to these formal, comprehensive reviews, the Commission is also subject to ongoing monitoring by the Scottish Executive Justice Department.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134970,"EventID":"S1F-00234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how many full time equivalent nurses and doctors were employed in the NHS in Scotland in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how many full time equivalent nurses and doctors were employed in the NHS in Scotland in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"There were 630 more doctors working in the NHS in Scotland last year than in 1997. And there were 300 more nurses. We said we would increase the numbers of doctors and nurses and we have done.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134971,"EventID":"S1F-00244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to mark Information Age week.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive plans to mark Information Age week.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive strongly supports the emphasis which the UK Government is giving to information age issues this week. It is very important indeed that Scotland embraces new ways of doing business made possible by information and communication technologies. These are creating tremendous opportunities for Scottish businesses, for the Scottish education and training system, and for public services in Scotland.
The Executive has asked the Digital Scotland Task Force to report on actions needed to ensure Scotland obtains lasting economic and social advantage from digital technologies. The Knowledge Economy Task Force is considering how Scottish businesses can seize the opportunities of e-commerce in the information age.
On government services, the Scottish Executive committed itself in Programme for Government to make best use of information technology as a means of improving service to the public. The UK Government has today announced its decision to bring forward from 2008 to 2005 the target date for on-line delivery of the government services for which it is responsible. The Executive has decided to make the same commitment: all devolved government services which can feasibly be delivered on-line should be available by 2005. The Executive is discussing with local authority representatives how the target should apply to council services.
Good progress is already being made in Scotland. A number of information and advisory services are already available on-line, and more are planned. The 2005 target represents a challenge which will encourage faster progress so that we can offer the citizens and businesses with whom we deal more efficient and effective services.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134972,"EventID":"S1F-00259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether he will report on the first meeting of the reconvened Highlands and Islands Convention.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether he will report on the first meeting of the reconvened Highlands and Islands Convention.","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the refocused Convention of the Highlands and Islands was held on Monday 27 March in the Highland Council's headquarters, Inverness. The Convention, which comprised Scottish Ministers, local authorities, Local Enterprise Companies, Area Tourist Boards and other agencies and institutions, proved a good and positive forum for productive discussion on a range of matters of importance to the Highlands and Islands.
Minutes of the meeting will be available on request from the Convention Secretariat in Meridian Court, Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134973,"EventID":"S1F-00298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made towards achieving the commitments in the Partnership for Scotland during the first year of the Scottish Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made towards achieving the commitments in the Partnership for Scotland during the first year of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Executive is making excellent progress in achieving its priorities as set out in its programme for action, Making It Work Together: A Programme for Government.
Only 1 of the 37 Programme for Government commitments due to be in place by May 2000 remains outstanding. A further four commitments not yet due for implementation have also been delivered.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134974,"EventID":"S1F-00306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in eliminating child poverty in Fife and in Scotland as a whole.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in eliminating child poverty in Fife and in Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"In Fife, and across Scotland, our policies are making a real difference to children in poverty. This year we are investing £880,000 in young children in deprived areas in Fife through the Sure Start Scotland Programme, and £14 million in Scotland as a whole. The Fife Social Inclusion Partnership is also tackling child poverty through projects on child domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and family support.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134975,"EventID":"S1F-00328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in promoting lifelong learning.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made in promoting lifelong learning.","AnswerText":"Transforming our learning culture is a top priority. Our role is to help create the right framework of opportunities for people to learn. Excellent progress is being made in setting in place our Programme for Government commitments, including the launch in the autumn of learndirect scotland and of Individual Learning Accounts.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134976,"EventID":"S1F-00331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made by the Scottish Executive in implementing its proposals for freedom of information.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made by the Scottish Executive in implementing its proposals for freedom of information.","AnswerText":"We are making good progress. There has been an excellent response to the Executive's consultation document An Open Scotland published last year. Most respondents welcomed the general thrust of the proposals. We will be considering carefully the points raised as we prepare a draft Bill.
A copy of all of the responses received has been placed in SPICe and on open access in the Executive's Library. A summary of the responses will be published next week.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134977,"EventID":"S1F-00395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether he will make a statement about the cross-examination of victims in rape trials.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether he will make a statement about the cross-examination of victims in rape trials.","AnswerText":"Scottish Ministers have instructed that proposals are developed to prevent an accused person charged with a sex offence from cross-examining a victim personally and to strengthen provisions restricting cross-examination on sexual history. Work has already begun on considering how this can be done while ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134978,"EventID":"S1F-00449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive is making in promoting equal opportunities and tackling racism.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress the Scottish Executive is making in promoting equal opportunities and tackling racism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all and has established an Equality Unit as part of the Executive Secretariat. In January we issued a consultation paper on the development of an equality strategy. A detailed report on responses has now been published and will assist in the development of that strategy and programme of action to be published in September.
In tackling racism, we set up the Race Equality Advisory Forum to advise us on race equality issues. The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Steering Group is overseeing progress on the implementation of the Executive's action plan following the MacPherson Report.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134979,"EventID":"S1F-00475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive's response is to the interim report of the task force set up to oversee the management of NHS services in Tayside.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive's response is to the interim report of the task force set up to oversee the management of NHS services in Tayside.","AnswerText":"The Tayside Task Force Interim Report has been received by Susan Deacon for her consideration. The Executive's response will be issued in the very near future.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134980,"EventID":"S1F-00477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"2000-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Executive intends to bring forward proposals to change the law in relation to stalking and harassment.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Executive intends to bring forward proposals to change the law in relation to stalking and harassment.","AnswerText":"We are committed to reviewing the law in relation to harassment and stalking by 2001. To that end, we launched a consultation exercise in March this year, and are now analysing the responses. We will discuss our proposals in the Parliament as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134981,"EventID":"S1F-00509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1908,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":4,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive is promoting Scotland's semiconductor industry.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive is promoting Scotland's semiconductor industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises that the semiconductor industry is extremely important to the Scottish economy. Our comprehensive programme for promoting the industry has resulted in Scotland enjoying the largest concentration of semiconductor plants in Europe.
Scottish Enterprise has identified semiconductors as one of its key clusters and has, for example, provided £25 million of support to the world leading Alba Centre, based in Livingston. This is in addition to just under £20 million of Regional Selective Assistance from the Executive. The announcement earlier this week of Motorola's major research and development centre in Livingston, creating 550 new jobs, shows that the industry in Scotland continues to move forward.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134982,"EventID":"S1F-00521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive is taking to ensure that local authorities maintain the network of rural schools.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive is taking to ensure that local authorities maintain the network of rural schools.","AnswerText":"All our policies for schools are directed towards ensuring that all children in rural areas benefit from school provision of the highest quality.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134983,"EventID":"S1F-00540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to use new technologies in promoting social and digital inclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to use new technologies in promoting social and digital inclusion.","AnswerText":"Earlier today, I launched the Executive's wide-ranging plans for creating a Digital Scotland. I stressed that above all there must be digital inclusion to ensure that everyone in Scotland benefits. Much work is already underway: providing access to computers and the web in libraries and community cybercafes; 80% discounts on the costs of basic courses in computers; and learndirect scotland, to be launched next month, will make it easier to access learning for ICT skills.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134984,"EventID":"S1F-00550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1908,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":4,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what cross-cutting measures have been brought forward to address the impact of housing conditions and the environment on the health of Scotland's people.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what cross-cutting measures have been brought forward to address the impact of housing conditions and the environment on the health of Scotland's people.","AnswerText":"Improving life circumstances is a key strategic priority for improving the nation's health. The Executive recognises that good housing and a clean environment are essential requirements for good health. The £350 million investment announced this week to help install free central heating for pensioners and other vulnerable groups is evidence of the priority the Executive puts on improving the quality of life.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134985,"EventID":"S1F-00563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the priorities are for investment in enterprise and lifelong learning.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the priorities are for investment in enterprise and lifelong learning.","AnswerText":"The Executive's priorities for investment in enterprise and lifelong learning over the next three years are to increase access to learning and skills for all Scotland's people; to drive forward new initiatives which will place Scotland at the leading edge of new technologies and to improve Scotland's competitive position through increased productivity. To enable us to deliver on these key strategic priorities, the department's spending will increase by over £300 million, to £2.27 billion by 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134986,"EventID":"S1F-00578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made towards meeting its commitment to reduce primary one, two and three class si'es to 30 or less by August 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress is being made towards meeting its commitment to reduce primary one, two and three class si'es to 30 or less by August 2001.","AnswerText":"Substantial resources have been made available through the Excellence Fund and good progress is being made. At the last school census in 1999, 89.3% of single stage P1 to P3 classes had 30 or less pupils.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134987,"EventID":"S1F-00613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will, as a matter of priority, conduct relevant research and put in place contingency arrangements to deal with predicted increased flooding in","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will, as a matter of priority, conduct relevant research and put in place contingency arrangements to deal with predicted increased flooding in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has already commissioned research studies to consider the impact of climate change on the frequency of flooding, design standards to protect against flooding and, more generally, adaptation measures required to address the threat of climate change. The outcome of these studies will be disseminated widely, including to local authorities who have responsibility for dealing with flooding in their area. This will enable councils to take account of climate change in the development of flood prevention measures.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134988,"EventID":"S1F-00633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps have been taken to help people suffering from anti-social neighbours.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps have been taken to help people suffering from anti-social neighbours.","AnswerText":"We have recently announced a £250,000 package of measures designed to tackle the problem of nuisance neighbours, including the creation of a Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator, who will promote good practice across Scotland, and work with councils and others to develop successful strategies. We have also proposed a number of measures for the forthcoming Housing Bill to give additional powers to local authorities and registered social landlords to help tackle this problem.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134989,"EventID":"S1F-00649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made on the levying of a fee on voluntary organisations for Scottish Criminal Records Office checks.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what progress has been made on the levying of a fee on voluntary organisations for Scottish Criminal Records Office checks.","AnswerText":"Jim Wallace set up a Voluntary Issues Review Group last year to examine the possible impact of the introduction of criminal record checks under Part V of the Police Act 1997 on voluntary organisations. The group, which is chaired by Jackie Baillie, has made good progress and it is hoped that it will report its conclusions by the end of the calendar year.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134990,"EventID":"S1F-00650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive intends to take forward economic development at a local level.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive intends to take forward economic development at a local level.","AnswerText":"My colleague Wendy Alexander proposes to publish draft guidelines on Local Economic Forums at the end of this month. The guidelines will set out the role and tasks of forums in improving the delivery of local economic development services across Scotland. In addition she will publish the Executive's formal response to the report by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee on local economic development.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134991,"EventID":"S1F-00688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive has any concerns about the level of morale in Scotland's prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive has any concerns about the level of morale in Scotland's prisons.","AnswerText":"We recognise that the Scottish Prison Service is currently facing up to a challenging agenda for change.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":134992,"EventID":"S1F-00732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to ensure that the business sector has telecommunications technology of the highest specification available to it.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to ensure that the business sector has telecommunications technology of the highest specification available to it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the high importance of ensuring businesses have access to the telecommunications they need to help them achieve maximum competitiveness. This will largely be achieved through the promotion of competition. There are, however, actions falling to the Executive which may contribute. These will include building on public sector demand for higher bandwidth services to encourage the spread of appropriate infrastructure. The Executive is now in discussion with UK departments on these issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135277,"EventID":"S1O-00901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons are for deleting a strategic road link between Dumfries and the M74 from the Dumfries and Galloway Structure Plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons are for deleting a strategic road link between Dumfries and the M74 from the Dumfries and Galloway Structure Plan.","AnswerText":"A study by the (former) Scottish Office concluded that there is no need for a new road from the A74(M) to Dumfries. The Scottish Executive is content that the existing strategic road links are satisfactory.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135278,"EventID":"S1O-00902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current methodology for allocating financial resources to tackle deprivation is effective in identifying all areas of relative poverty and social and economic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current methodology for allocating financial resources to tackle deprivation is effective in identifying all areas of relative poverty and social and economic disadvantage.","AnswerText":"Across the Executive's programmes, a number of methods of allocating resources for tackling deprivation are used. As we said in the Social Justice Report published in November 1999, we will be exploring how planning systems can be developed to ensure expenditure is effective and relevant to the problems experienced by particular groups and communities.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135279,"EventID":"S1O-00904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce the drop out rate in higher education institutions from the current 20% and what assessment it has made of the return of full maintenance gran","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce the drop out rate in higher education institutions from the current 20% and what assessment it has made of the return of full maintenance grant as a way of reducing this figure.","AnswerText":"They are currently being scrutinised by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. I want to see an improvement on the position and we will seek an early meeting with the Council. Reasons for leaving higher education are varied and finance normally comes 7th or 8th in the reasons given by students.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135280,"EventID":"S1O-00906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 53% of charges laid by the police under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1991, death by dangerous driving, have been downgraded to section 3, careless driving, by th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 53% of charges laid by the police under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1991, death by dangerous driving, have been downgraded to section 3, careless driving, by the Crown Office since 1991.","AnswerText":"Crown Office does not \"downgrade\" police charges. As a matter of law, the decision whether to prosecute an individual and, if so, on what charges, is a matter for the Crown, not the police. Charges preferred by the police following a fatal road traffic accident give early notice to the accused of likely or possible criminal charges, but the decision regarding criminal proceedings is taken later, by Crown Counsel, after a detailed investigation by the Procurator Fiscal. I have recently written in detail on this matter to the Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee, on which Mr Gallie serves.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135281,"EventID":"S1O-00908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Highlands and Islands Enterprise and whether the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme was discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Highlands and Islands Enterprise and whether the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme was discussed.","AnswerText":"Meetings take place on a regular basis to discuss a range of matters. Officials carrying out the review of the Crofters Commission met officials of Highlands and Islands Enterprise in August 1999 and the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme was one of the items covered in that discussion but it has not been on the agenda for any meeting since then.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135282,"EventID":"S1O-00911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister next intends to visit the City of Aberdeen and with whom he intends to meet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the First Minister next intends to visit the City of Aberdeen and with whom he intends to meet.","AnswerText":"I have no fixed plans to visit Aberdeen but expect my Ministerial duties to take me there in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Donald Dewar","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135283,"EventID":"S1O-00912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given the almost 50% increase in bed usage in the Lothian Universities Hospital Trust for the first week of January, whether it will confirm that all hospital trusts in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given the almost 50% increase in bed usage in the Lothian Universities Hospital Trust for the first week of January, whether it will confirm that all hospital trusts in Scotland will be able to engage extra staff and to utilise whatever facilities are required to cope with the possible influen'a epidemic.","AnswerText":"Although all NHS Trusts in Scotland are currently under severe pressure, they have all planned for winter pressures and are coping. Trust plans have included the reduction of non-emergency admissions, creation of additional capacity for short-term peaks and the use of agency nursing staff.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135284,"EventID":"S1O-00913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional resources available to Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust in the light of the Trust requiring to relax restrictions on overtime and us","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional resources available to Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust in the light of the Trust requiring to relax restrictions on overtime and use agency nurses to cope with the increasing number of flu cases.","AnswerText":"Tayside will receive its fair share of the extra £300 million made available to the NHS in Scotland this year and of the additional £290 million for next year.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135285,"EventID":"S1O-00920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussion it has held with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities relating to local government boundaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussion it has held with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities relating to local government boundaries.","AnswerText":"The Executive has had no recent discussions with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on local government boundaries.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135286,"EventID":"S1O-00924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines were issued to health boards before Christmas in relation to epidemics or winter emergencies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines were issued to health boards before Christmas in relation to epidemics or winter emergencies.","AnswerText":"Guidance was issued to all Health Boards on the importance of robust planning to manage emergency admissions, seasonal pressures and other peaks in demand. Guidance was also issued by the Chief Medical Officer in Scotland on the administration of flu and pneumonic vaccines to at-risk groups.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135287,"EventID":"S1O-00925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","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 refer Mr Monteith to the answer I gave him on Tuesday 7 December 1999.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135288,"EventID":"S1O-00926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take in response to concerns expressed by farmers at their recent rally in Edinburgh and through the Scottish National Farmers' Union's Petition","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take in response to concerns expressed by farmers at their recent rally in Edinburgh and through the Scottish National Farmers' Union's Petitions for Action.","AnswerText":"I have already discussed the Petitions with the National Farmers' Union of Scotland. They are aware that it is difficult to resolve some of the matters highlighted, but I have undertaken to look seriously at the issues and, where appropriate, also to raise the issues with my Ministerial counterparts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135289,"EventID":"S1O-00927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3177 by Susan Deacon on 23 December 1999, what steps, if any, the Executive intends to take to gather centrally statistics on the d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3177 by Susan Deacon on 23 December 1999, what steps, if any, the Executive intends to take to gather centrally statistics on the diagnosis of diseases such as asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and meningitis.","AnswerText":"A number of steps are being taken to improve the central collection of data on disease diagnosis to assist national and local planning of health care, such as the establishment of a Scottish Diabetes Register.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135290,"EventID":"S1O-00930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on the findings of Pell et al in Effect of socio-economic deprivation on waiting time for cardiac surgery, retrospective cohort study published in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on the findings of Pell et al in Effect of socio-economic deprivation on waiting time for cardiac surgery, retrospective cohort study published in the January 2000 edition of the British Medical Journal.","AnswerText":"The study suggests that patients with coronary heart disease in the most severe deprivation categories waited about 3 weeks longer for routine cardiac surgery than did patients in the most affluent category. The main reason quoted was that those in the most affluent category were more likely to be classified as urgent cases. One of our key aims in the Programme for Government is to eliminate inequalities of treatment. The Coronary Heart Disease Task Force has been investigating the management of patients on the cardiac surgery waiting list. It has devised a common referral letter and a standard approach to the categorisation of those patients, based on clinical factors. Implementation of these initiatives, together with the establishment of a national waiting time for this priority area, will help ensure that time the key determinant for priority of treatment is clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135291,"EventID":"S1O-00932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the establishment of a Trade Union Learning Fund and whether it has any plans to make funding available to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the establishment of a Trade Union Learning Fund and whether it has any plans to make funding available to it.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to establish such a Fund for Scotland, but Trade Unions have long made a valuable contribution to workplace learning in Scotland which we intend to build on. This has been helpful in the development of key lifelong learning initiatives such as the Scottish University for Industry. We shall meet the STUC to explore how Trade Unions in Scotland might provide further support for workplace learning.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135292,"EventID":"S1O-00935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures, within its own area of competence, it will put in place to ensure the continuance of the current substantial network of rural Post Offices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures, within its own area of competence, it will put in place to ensure the continuance of the current substantial network of rural Post Offices.","AnswerText":"The Post Office, post and regulation of postal services are reserved matters but the Scottish Executive will continue to ensure that the UK Government is aware of the particular needs of communities in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135293,"EventID":"S1O-00944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its decision to abandon the common poundage across the UK in respect of non-domestic rates as from 1 April 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review its decision to abandon the common poundage across the UK in respect of non-domestic rates as from 1 April 2000.","AnswerText":"I announced on 8 December 1999 a provisional Scottish Unified Business Rate of 45.8p for 2000-01. I published the calculations underlying that rate on 17 January. I will announce a final decision in February.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135294,"EventID":"S1O-00950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for the future provision of music lessons in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for the future provision of music lessons in schools.","AnswerText":"Pupils should experience music as part of the Expressive Arts component of the 5-14 curriculum. How music is provided within the curriculum is a matter for local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135295,"EventID":"S1O-00953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to ensure that an accurate record of the number of people who are homeless in Scotland is maintained.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to ensure that an accurate record of the number of people who are homeless in Scotland is maintained.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are already required to provide the Scottish Executive with statistics on applications under the homelessness legislation. The Homelessness Task Force is currently considering how the collection of this data can be improved and over what timescale any required changes could take place.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135296,"EventID":"S1O-00964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was raised last year in payments and charges accruing to Scottish Executive departments and agencies and what share of this was passed to Her Majesty's Tre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was raised last year in payments and charges accruing to Scottish Executive departments and agencies and what share of this was passed to Her Majesty's Treasury.","AnswerText":"Receipts in 1998-99 were £1,661 million. Of this £1,374 million was retained by departments. These figures are provisional until the 1998-99 Appropriation Accounts are approved and published by the Comptroller and Auditor General.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135297,"EventID":"S1O-00965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Deputy Minister with responsibility for Tourism has consulted with the Minister for Transport and the Environment on the subject of signposting for Wigtown, S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Deputy Minister with responsibility for Tourism has consulted with the Minister for Transport and the Environment on the subject of signposting for Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, at the junction of the M74 and A75 at Gretna.","AnswerText":"The Deputy Minister's officials have consulted my officials.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135298,"EventID":"S1O-00970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to ring-fence any additional resources allocated to Scotland under the Barnett formula as a result of an above inflation increase in tobacco taxes in ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to ring-fence any additional resources allocated to Scotland under the Barnett formula as a result of an above inflation increase in tobacco taxes in order that this funding can be directly applied to the National Health Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-3868 on Friday 21 January.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135299,"EventID":"S1O-00973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information and statistics it has on the number of incidences where local authorities are unable to upgrade their tenants' homes due to adjoining owner-occupiers ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information and statistics it has on the number of incidences where local authorities are unable to upgrade their tenants' homes due to adjoining owner-occupiers refusing to give permission or being unable to afford to participate in the upgrading.","AnswerText":"No such information is collected. However, we are aware of the problem, particularly through our discussions with councils on new housing partnerships. The forthcoming Housing Bill will include provisions relating to repairs by owner-occupiers.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135300,"EventID":"S1O-00976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish, as part of its regular Statistical Bulletins, the number of Careless Driving Offences where a death has occurred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish, as part of its regular Statistical Bulletins, the number of Careless Driving Offences where a death has occurred.","AnswerText":"We regularly publish statistics on road traffic accidents and motor vehicle offences. Our statistics on offences reflect associated legal definitions. In the case of deaths, the offences for which statistics are provided are \"causing death by dangerous driving\" and \"causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs\". There is no offence of causing death by careless driving and there are no plans to disaggregate the statistics on careless driving further.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135301,"EventID":"S1O-00984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on its progress in reducing class si'es.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on its progress in reducing class si'es.","AnswerText":"We are making excellent progress. Under regulations made in April 1999, P1 classes with a single teacher may not have more than 30 pupils this academic year. Two schools have been granted temporary exemptions and we are holding an application from a third authority. From August 2000 this limit will apply to P2 and from August 2001 to P3. By 2001 we will have achieved our target of all children in P1-P3 being taught with a maximum ratio of 30 pupils to every teacher.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135302,"EventID":"S1O-00986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the review of the functions of the Crofting Commission, proposals will be rejected if there are found to be serious concerns in the crofting community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the review of the functions of the Crofting Commission, proposals will be rejected if there are found to be serious concerns in the crofting community.","AnswerText":"The interests of stakeholders will be an important criterion to be taken into account. The other criteria will be how far the proposals help deliver government policy, how far they maximise accountability, and how far they maximise efficiency, effectiveness and value for money.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135303,"EventID":"S1O-00991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on its proposed changes to trunk road management and maintenance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on its proposed changes to trunk road management and maintenance.","AnswerText":"New arrangements are required once the existing contracts for the trunk road premium units expire on 31 March 2001. I explained my proposals in the answer I gave to Karen Gillon on 24 December 1999 (S1W-3538).","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135304,"EventID":"S1O-00993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to take forward its policy in the area of mental health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to take forward its policy in the area of mental health.","AnswerText":"The Executive is addressing mental health on a broad front, including the development of services for those who need care and treatment; promoting mental wellbeing by improving life circumstances through our policies on social inclusion, education, employment, the environment and housing; and by modernising the legislative framework. As part of the policy development process, the Minister for Health and Community Care and I have arranged a meeting on 31 January of major interests in the field for an exchange of views on mental health issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135305,"EventID":"S1O-00996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has recently provided to Fife Health Board about the development of Fife Acute Health Trusts business plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has recently provided to Fife Health Board about the development of Fife Acute Health Trusts business plan.","AnswerText":"The document submitted to the Health Department was a draft of an outline business case: the Department's response explained in some detail the process to be followed to produce a substantive business case and encouraged the Health Board to ensure its specific proposals were consistent with the conclusions reached in its ongoing overall review of services.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135306,"EventID":"S1O-01000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to access available EU \"agrimoney\" funds for Scottish farmers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to access available EU \"agrimoney\" funds for Scottish farmers.","AnswerText":"Scottish farmers will receive £15 million in agrimonetary compensation later this year. I am giving careful consideration to the claims for further agrimonetary compensation in close consultation with the other UK Agriculture Ministers. Scotland could not go it alone on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135307,"EventID":"S1O-01004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why its response to The Road Ahead consultation paper of April 1999 was published on the afternoon of 24 December 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why its response to The Road Ahead consultation paper of April 1999 was published on the afternoon of 24 December 1999.","AnswerText":"I reached my decision on future arrangements on 23 December and arranged for that to be published as soon as possible thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135308,"EventID":"S1O-01009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide clarification to local authorities regarding what is required in respect of taxi operators under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide clarification to local authorities regarding what is required in respect of taxi operators under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"We intend to consult with local authorities, the taxi trade and other interested parties on the content of the proposed taxi regulations resulting from the 1995 Act during the course of this year.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135309,"EventID":"S1O-01012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale it envisages for the withdrawal of the requirement for the removal of spinal chords from ewe carcasses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale it envisages for the withdrawal of the requirement for the removal of spinal chords from ewe carcasses.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to frame its statutory public health controls on the basis of the precautionary principle, underpinned by the latest available medical and scientific advice which is reviewed regularly. It is not possible to anticipate when such advice might change.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135310,"EventID":"S1O-01015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures are being taken to address school exclusions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures are being taken to address school exclusions.","AnswerText":"A wide range of initiatives are being developed by education authorities to tackle exclusion. These developments are supported by funding from the Scottish Executive under the Alternatives to Exclusion initiatives. £5 million was allocated this year rising to £8 million in 2000-01 and £10 million in 2001-02. In January the Executive held a Conference on exclusion attended by 90 representatives from local authorities to discuss progress and to spread best practice.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135311,"EventID":"S1O-01016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further the strategy on drugs and, in particular, what role the Drug Action Teams will play.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further the strategy on drugs and, in particular, what role the Drug Action Teams will play.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made significant progress in implementing Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership. Officials are currently drawing up a Drugs Action Plan for publication which will highlight areas being tackled and to hold the Executive to account. I announced last week a further, £2 million to tackle drug misuse in communities, an additonal £1 million for Scotland Against Drugs and the setting up of a specialist effectiveness unit within the Executive. Further work is also underway on research, prevalence and information. The Drug Action Teams are addressing the National objectives at a local level and we have a reporting and accountability framework in place so that progress can be monitored by the Executive. We have also doubled their funding to over £1 million to support them in that work.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135312,"EventID":"S1O-01022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive an invitation to the official opening of the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive an invitation to the official opening of the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"There are, as yet, no plans for an official opening of the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The Infirmary will open in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for occupation in October 2001, and the second in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135313,"EventID":"S1O-01028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary criminal cases were raised in Glasgow Sheriff Court and Glasgow District Court during 1999 and what were the corresponding figures for 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary criminal cases were raised in Glasgow Sheriff Court and Glasgow District Court during 1999 and what were the corresponding figures for 1998.","AnswerText":"Between 1998 and 1999, the number of summary complaints registered in Glasgow Sheriff Court rose from 12,071 to 14,928. Over the same period, complaints initiated in the Lay District Court fell from 16,586 to 14,866, and complaints initiated in the Stipendiary Magistrates Court fell from 8,293 to 7,433.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135314,"EventID":"S1O-01031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Home Office and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Home Office and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Home Office on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135315,"EventID":"S1O-01039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Scottish population lives in areas which are currently eligible for European aid and what the equivalent proportion was under the structural funds ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Scottish population lives in areas which are currently eligible for European aid and what the equivalent proportion was under the structural funds settlement applying immediately prior to the new settlement.","AnswerText":"The special programme for the Highlands & Islands, to replace the Objective 1 programme, is available throughout the Highlands & Islands. The Objective 3 programme for the European Social Fund has been available throughout Lowland Scotland and will remain so. Those living in the former Objective 2 and 5b areas, covering some 77% of the Scottish population, will have access to either full or transitional support in the new Objective 2 programmes.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135316,"EventID":"S1O-01044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1908,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":4,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the work of the Knowledge Economy Taskforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the work of the Knowledge Economy Taskforce.","AnswerText":"The Developing the Knowledge Economy Taskforce met for the first time on 26 January under my chairmanship and agreed the following remit: \"To review the progress being made in developing the knowledge economy in Scotland; to identify the key questions that need be addressed by the Scottish Executive, with particular emphasis on personal knowledge, human skills, business management and innovation; and to identify the actions that need be taken by the Scottish Executive\" Further meetings are planned for later this month and March.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135317,"EventID":"S1O-01046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether European Regional Development Funding is available for the Borders railway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether European Regional Development Funding is available for the Borders railway.","AnswerText":"The new South of Scotland European Objective 2 programme will be worth over £40 million over the next seven years and will bring a valuable additional boost to investment in the area. It will cover a range of issues including economic development and social justice but it is not likely to provide significant funding opportunities to invest in the railway.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135318,"EventID":"S1O-01048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the current level of meat inspection charges for Scottish abattoirs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the current level of meat inspection charges for Scottish abattoirs.","AnswerText":"The current level of meat inspection charges has remained at the level fixed for the year 1998-99 while the burdens on the meat industry have been reviewed. As stated in today's written answer by the Minister for Health and Community Care, Ministers' response to the Red Tape Working Group's report has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135319,"EventID":"S1O-01049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its priorities are for public spending in health and education in the coming year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its priorities are for public spending in health and education in the coming year.","AnswerText":"The Executive's priorities for health and education spending are fully reflected in the proposals set out in the Budget Bill, currently before Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135320,"EventID":"S1O-01064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the Scottish fishing industry about the total allowable catches as agreed at the December EU Fisheries Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the Scottish fishing industry about the total allowable catches as agreed at the December EU Fisheries Council.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been in close contact with Scottish fishing representatives throughout the entire TAC process. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with them both immediately before the December Council, and in Scotland House in Brussels during a break in Council proceedings. They provided a valuable contribution which I am sure helped us achieve a positive outcome to the negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135321,"EventID":"S1O-01069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional funding for local authorities to assist them with upgrading the strategic road network and bridges to meet current EU standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional funding for local authorities to assist them with upgrading the strategic road network and bridges to meet current EU standards.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive support for capital expenditure on roads and transport is included within the single block allocation which covers all non-housing capital programmes. It is for local authorities to prioritise projects across the range of these programmes and to allocate the necessary funding from the resources available to them. There are no plans to provide local authorities with additional resources for this purpose.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135322,"EventID":"S1O-01071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the consultation period on the Ethical Standards in Public Life (Scotland) Bill for a further month.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the consultation period on the Ethical Standards in Public Life (Scotland) Bill for a further month.","AnswerText":"No. The consultation period on the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Bill ran from 18 November 1999 until 14 January 2000. Over 6,500 copies of the paper were sent out. In addition, the Bill appeared on the Scottish Executive web site. There were over 2,300 responses to that consultation.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135323,"EventID":"S1O-01075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it will make to ensure continuity of projects supported by European structural funds in the period between this round and the next.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it will make to ensure continuity of projects supported by European structural funds in the period between this round and the next.","AnswerText":"Support for European Social Fund projects under the previous programme round has been extended up to 30 June 2000, and longer in exceptional cases. Revenue projects under the European Regional Development Fund already approved can continue until 31 December 2001. We are working with the various partnerships through plan teams to ensure that the new plans are agreed with the European Commission as early as possible so as to avoid undue dislocation between programmes.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135324,"EventID":"S1O-01079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to ensure that the newly merged Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet will have staff directors appointed to the new board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to ensure that the newly merged Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet will have staff directors appointed to the new board.","AnswerText":"No. Membership is strictly a matter for the new board.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135325,"EventID":"S1O-01081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage the take-up of career opportunities in childcare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage the take-up of career opportunities in childcare.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published on 24 January an information booklet called Working with Children which sets out the career opportunities available in early education, childcare and playwork.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135326,"EventID":"S1O-01083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to hear the outcome of Her Majesty's Government's spending review as it affects Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to hear the outcome of Her Majesty's Government's spending review as it affects Scotland.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Government's spending review will conclude in July. This will include the calculation of consequentials for the Scottish Executive budget.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135327,"EventID":"S1O-01086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for tackling the issue of food poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for tackling the issue of food poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Our overall strategy for tackling poverty is set out in Social Justice: a Scotland where everyone matters. Through the Scottish Community Diet Project and Social Inclusion Partnerships the Executive funds a range of initiatives that address food poverty in ways responsive to local needs. We will shortly appoint a national dietary co-ordinator who will give priority to supporting primary producers and major retailers to maximise their potential contribution towards health with a focus on low income groups.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135328,"EventID":"S1O-01090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve rail infrastructure and services in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve rail infrastructure and services in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministers will be able to issue directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority for the franchise providing passenger rail services which begin and end in Scotland. These will reflect our strategic priorities for the provision of services throughout the country.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135329,"EventID":"S1O-01092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review legislation to ensure more effective enforcement in preventing sales of tobacco to underage children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review legislation to ensure more effective enforcement in preventing sales of tobacco to underage children.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. We are, however, working closely with CoSLA, ACPOS and trading standards representatives in Scotland to ensure better enforcement and help shopkeepers comply with the law.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135330,"EventID":"S1O-01097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to privatise the water industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to privatise the water industry.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135331,"EventID":"S1O-01102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing indicators of rural deprivation, whether these will be used in the determination of financial settlements for public bodies incl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing indicators of rural deprivation, whether these will be used in the determination of financial settlements for public bodies including local authorities and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The allocation of resources in the Scottish Executive's programmes takes a number of rural circumstances into consideration. The Executive is currently investigating methods of identifying rural disadvantage. These will be taken into account in determining allocations in due course.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135332,"EventID":"S1O-01111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2109 by Susan Deacon on 10 November 1999, whether it has now received the advice from the National Services Advisory Group on the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2109 by Susan Deacon on 10 November 1999, whether it has now received the advice from the National Services Advisory Group on the provision of cochlear implants, whether it will place a copy of this advice in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and what action it plans to take in the light of this advice.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Gallie to my answer S1W-737 of Wednesday 9 February to Margaret Jamieson.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135333,"EventID":"S1O-01113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the number of police officers employed by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary to increase or decrease during the next two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the number of police officers employed by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary to increase or decrease during the next two years.","AnswerText":"It is for the Chief Constable, in consultation with his police authority, to determine staffing levels in the light of the budget set for the Force.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135334,"EventID":"S1O-01116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the services offered by Caledonian MacBrayne to be the best possible deal for rural and island communities in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the services offered by Caledonian MacBrayne to be the best possible deal for rural and island communities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd strive to provide cost-effective lifeline ferry services to rural and island communities. The Executive has made extra resources of £20 million available for two new ferries which come into service this year and in 1999-2000 is committing £14.8 milion in subsidy to CalMac - the highest ever figure.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135335,"EventID":"S1O-01121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the use of Scottish timber in the construction industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the use of Scottish timber in the construction industry.","AnswerText":"The construction industry uses an increasing quantity of Scottish timber each year. Half the houses built in Scotland are timber framed, and nearly all the timber panels for these houses are made from Scottish timber. About 11% of the timber used in the UK construction industry is grown in the UK; about half of this is grown in Scotland, with substantial amounts being sold south of the Border. The volume of timber available from Scottish forests is set to double in the next fifteen years, providing further significant supplies for the construction industry.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135336,"EventID":"S1O-01122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response there has been from further education colleges to its proposals in the framework document Working Together for Wider Access to Further and Higher Education ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response there has been from further education colleges to its proposals in the framework document Working Together for Wider Access to Further and Higher Education and a Fair Deal for Students.","AnswerText":"The Executive has received no responses from further education colleges to the proposals. However, the Association of Scottish Colleges issued a statement welcoming the many and the substantial improvements contained in the Executive's Framework Document for full-time further education students. It acknowledged that the proposals represent a significant step forward","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135337,"EventID":"S1O-01125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the financial problems facing the farming industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the financial problems facing the farming industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to supporting and enhancing the rural economy, and agriculture is an important and integral part of that strategy. We are resolved to develop an approach to the agriculture sector in Scotland which results in its long-term sustainability and we are taking forward a range of measures designed to help. We have already provided substantial support to farmers, including £40 million paid to livestock farmers and £33 million in compensation for the relative weakness of the euro. For the longer term, we are promoting strategies to help the development of the sheep, milk and food sectors, and are consulting on proposals for a Rural Development Plan which will help to create a more sustainable future for the agriculture industry.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135338,"EventID":"S1O-01135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount of revenues, charges and receipts received and accruing to Scottish Executive departments and agencies have been passed to Her Majesty's Treasury since 1997-9","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount of revenues, charges and receipts received and accruing to Scottish Executive departments and agencies have been passed to Her Majesty's Treasury since 1997-98 in total, actual and estimated, and in constant prices.","AnswerText":"In 1997-98 the total estimate for receipts was £1,552 million. The actual amount received was £1,539 million. Of this £1,298 million was retained by departments. I refer the Member to the answer I gave to his earlier question (S1O-964) for the corresponding figures for 1998-99.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135339,"EventID":"S1O-01138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools in (a) Glasgow and (b) Scotland currently have a pupil council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secondary schools in (a) Glasgow and (b) Scotland currently have a pupil council.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135340,"EventID":"S1O-01143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of information made available to Glasgow's tenants about the Executive Steering Group's housing stock transfer proposals and whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of information made available to Glasgow's tenants about the Executive Steering Group's housing stock transfer proposals and whether the ballot to determine Glasgow's tenants' position on the stock transfer proposal is still due to be held in November.","AnswerText":"The Glasgow Housing Partnership Steering Group is preparing a framework within which tenants can be fully involved in shaping any proposal for community ownership. Full consultation with tenants will begin as soon as the Group has completed its work and the date set for the ballot will take account of tenants' views.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135341,"EventID":"S1O-01144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to allow fans a greater voice in the football clubs which they support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to allow fans a greater voice in the football clubs which they support.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in the process of considering views from the football authorities and other interests, including the Scottish Federation of Football Supporters, on the ideas discussed in the Co-operative Party's pamphlet Mutualism-A Golden Goal? I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this issue in the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135342,"EventID":"S1O-01147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial arrangements will be put in place to secure the future of the community of Longriggend following the closure of the remand centre there.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial arrangements will be put in place to secure the future of the community of Longriggend following the closure of the remand centre there.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135343,"EventID":"S1O-01149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is putting in place to ensure family friendly employment practices operate within the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is putting in place to ensure family friendly employment practices operate within the NHS.","AnswerText":"A Guideline Development Group (GDG) has been set up under the auspices of the NHS in Scotland Partnership Forum to develop principles and practices on family friendly policy issues together with model policies for use Scotland wide. The GDG is expected to report in the first half of the year.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135344,"EventID":"S1O-01162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the reasons for the loss of 150 jobs at New South Mills Ltd, Dundee and, in particular, whether the recent rise in interest rates and the current ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the reasons for the loss of 150 jobs at New South Mills Ltd, Dundee and, in particular, whether the recent rise in interest rates and the current strength of sterling were factors in the job losses as stated by Dundee Chamber of Commerce and Industry.","AnswerText":"It is not appropriate for the Scottish Executive to speculate on the commercial decisions of companies. The UK carpet industry has faced very tough trading conditions in recent times.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135345,"EventID":"S1O-01164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will implement recommendation 3 of the Scottish Health Advisory Service report Services for Older People in the Southern Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will implement recommendation 3 of the Scottish Health Advisory Service report Services for Older People in the Southern Highlands.","AnswerText":"It is for Highland Health Board and the Highland NHS Trusts to consider and respond to the recommendations in the report. I understand that they are doing so and that recommendation 3 will be taken forward as part of the development of a Highland-wide strategy and action plan for services for Older People.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135346,"EventID":"S1O-01166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the future of the NHS Management Executive Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the future of the NHS Management Executive Group.","AnswerText":"As part of my programme for improving health services and increasing accountability, I have made it clear I want a new relationship between the Scottish Executive Health Department, the NHS and all those concerned with health in Scotland. The NHS Management Executive is an integral part of the Health Department and I expect it to work in partnership with the NHS, professional bodies, trade unions and other key stakeholders to improve health services for the people of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135347,"EventID":"S1O-01170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for implementing recommendations 20 to 23 on pigeon issues set out in the report of the UK Raptor Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for implementing recommendations 20 to 23 on pigeon issues set out in the report of the UK Raptor Working Group.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Mundell to my answer to question S1W-4163 in which I indicated that I have asked SNH for advice on the recommendations contained in the UK Raptor Working Group Report and how they might be implemented in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135348,"EventID":"S1O-01172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what temporary arrangements have been put in place for the filling of the post of President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland) following the retirement of Doris Littlejoh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what temporary arrangements have been put in place for the filling of the post of President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland) following the retirement of Doris Littlejohn.","AnswerText":"The appointment of the President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland) is a reserved matter. Under Regulations made by the Department of Trade and Industry the responsibility for the appointment rests with the Lord President of the Court of Session. I understand that the Lord President instructed that the vacancy should be advertised in the professional press and that a Selection Board should be established to interview candidates and make recommendations to him. The advertisement was placed in the Scots Law Times and in the Journal of the Law Society. The Selection Board will comprise Lord Johnston (Chairman) a Senator of the College of Justice, Mr John Elliot, Chairman of the Council on Tribunals (Scottish Committee) and Mr Bill Speirs, General Secretary of the STUC. Five candidates have applied and all will be invited to interview. Mr Colin Milne, one of the Regional Chairmen of Employment Tribunals (Scotland), is responsible for routine administrative matters on a caretaker basis. This conforms with practice the last time there was a vacancy for the office of President.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135349,"EventID":"S1O-01175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding has been allocated for the treatment of drug and alcohol misusers and how this funding is distributed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding has been allocated for the treatment of drug and alcohol misusers and how this funding is distributed.","AnswerText":"Spending on drug treatment by Health Boards is being boosted by £6 million over a three-year period, bringing annual spend to over £11 million. This represents a 20% rise on previous levels. This funding is distributed via individual Health Boards. Funding for services for drug and alcohol misusers is also provided via local authorities, which received an increase of £51.3 million for 1999-2000, over the previous year, for social work services. However, funding to Health Boards for the provision of services for alcohol misuse and to local authorities for either drug misuse or alcohol misuse treatment services are not earmarked.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135350,"EventID":"S1O-01176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that resources for tackling domestic abuse will reach rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that resources for tackling domestic abuse will reach rural areas.","AnswerText":"Bids for grant from the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund will be considered in accordance with the Application Guidance issued on 1 December 1999. The aim of the fund is to improve local circumstances and we expect to receive bids from local authorities covering both urban and rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135351,"EventID":"S1O-01178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Tayside Health Board delayed nearly a year before allocating the additional #176,000 allocated to it for drug treatment services and how much of that money has gone t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Tayside Health Board delayed nearly a year before allocating the additional #176,000 allocated to it for drug treatment services and how much of that money has gone to Primary Care Trusts to cover the costs of treating patients with a dual diagnosis.","AnswerText":"I understand that Tayside Health Board undertook an area wide review of drug services prior to allocating the additional funding allocated by the Executive as part of its continuing commitment to reduce drug misuse, cut drug-related deaths and help communities rid themselves of the scourge of drugs. Of the additional funding allocated, £83,000 - almost 50% - was spent on the treatment of patients with dual diagnosis.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135352,"EventID":"S1O-01182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to encourage the greater involvement of elderly people in Scotland's democratic process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to encourage the greater involvement of elderly people in Scotland's democratic process.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is fully committed to promoting civic participation across all ages of society. The Policy Unit is undertaking a study exploring issues affecting older people and the scope for developing a more co-ordinated approach across the Executive. The Unit has been asked to identify opportunities for increased involvement and wider participation to ensure that older people's voices are heard, their contributions recognised and concerns addressed.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135353,"EventID":"S1O-01189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the methodology employed by the Scottish criminal records office in compiling fingerprint evidence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the methodology employed by the Scottish criminal records office in compiling fingerprint evidence.","AnswerText":"The terms of reference for a review by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary of the standards and quality of work within the Fingerprint Section of the Scottish Criminal Record Office will be announced shortly. The review will cover the case of Shirley McKie.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135354,"EventID":"S1O-01191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce the results of the \"Make Our Communities Safer\" challenge competition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce the results of the \"Make Our Communities Safer\" challenge competition.","AnswerText":"Applications submitted for CCTV and community safety projects under the \"Make Our Communities Safer\" Challenge Competition are being evaluated. We hope to be able to announce the results shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135355,"EventID":"S1O-01193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is towards NHS Trust deficits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is towards NHS Trust deficits.","AnswerText":"All NHS Trusts have a duty to ensure high quality patient care whilst maintaining financial balance. Should a Trust overspend, it is required in conjunction with its health board to produce a recovery plan that will continue to protect patient care whilst making good its financial position within the next financial year.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135356,"EventID":"S1O-01194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Affairs last met representatives of the Scottish Crofters' Union and what issues they discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Affairs last met representatives of the Scottish Crofters' Union and what issues they discussed.","AnswerText":"I last met officials, officers and members of the Scottish Crofters Union on 1 October 1999 when I visited Lewis. We discussed a wide range of matters including the role and structure of the SCU, the value and nature of crofting, crofting regulation and support and the current difficulties for sheep producers.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135357,"EventID":"S1O-01199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in tackling youth unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in tackling youth unemployment.","AnswerText":"The number of 18-24 year olds in Scotland claiming unemployment related benefits has fallen by 19% over the last two years to 31,200.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135358,"EventID":"S1O-01204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors contributed to its decision to extend the scope of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute study into the effect on the rural economy of banning hunting wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors contributed to its decision to extend the scope of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute study into the effect on the rural economy of banning hunting with dogs.","AnswerText":"The original study commissioned by the Scottish Executive has been extended in response to representations received. A sample of businesses supplying the hunts have been sent questionnaires in addition to the hunts and their followers. Further, following representations on behalf of the Scottish Hill Packs Association and Gamekeepers, I have extended the research to include the possible effects on their businesses in the event of a ban on hunting with dogs.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135359,"EventID":"S1O-01205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what salaries and bonus schemes will be offered to the successful applicants for the chief executive posts currently being advertised by water authorities and to what ext","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what salaries and bonus schemes will be offered to the successful applicants for the chief executive posts currently being advertised by water authorities and to what extent, if any, these will be an increase on previous levels.","AnswerText":"The exact remuneration packages for the Chief Executives will be a matter for negotiation between the Board of each authority and the successful candidates. The final packages agreed will be subject to Ministerial approval; I have indicated to the authorities that a basic salary of a little above £100,000, with fewer benefits than at present, may be considered as the basis for negotiations with their preferred candidates.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135360,"EventID":"S1O-01206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that the establishment of New Housing Partnerships in the proposed Housing Bill will not disrupt the work of the various national wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that the establishment of New Housing Partnerships in the proposed Housing Bill will not disrupt the work of the various national witness protection programmes with regard to resettlement of witnesses.","AnswerText":"The work of witness protection programmes should not be affected by proposals for community ownership under New Housing Partnerships. The type and tenure of property currently used varies according to individual circumstances. Where houses transfer out of council ownership, there will be contractual agreements with acquiring landlords which can include arrangements for witness protection programmes.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135361,"EventID":"S1O-01222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider undertaking a detailed appraisal of cable companies operating 999 emergency services with particular regard to the safe provision of ambulance, p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider undertaking a detailed appraisal of cable companies operating 999 emergency services with particular regard to the safe provision of ambulance, police and fire services.","AnswerText":"This is a matter reserved to the Department of Trade and Industry and Oftel within the UK Government. If, however, you have any information that calls into question the integrity of the services provided to our emergency services, I am more than happy to pass that information on to Oftel.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135362,"EventID":"S1O-01225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support mechanisms it presently has in place to support carers within our communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support mechanisms it presently has in place to support carers within our communities.","AnswerText":"Support for carers is for local authorities as part of their responsibility for community care. The Scottish Executive has allocated almost £800 million grant-aided expenditure to local authorities for community care this financial year. Within that, £5 million is notionally allocated for carers' services, including respite care. In addition, we have contributed about £220k this year to national voluntary organisations representing and supporting carers. As part of the Scottish Executive's Programme for Government a Strategy for Carers in Scotland was launched on 24 November 1999. The Strategy sets out new measures to support both adult and young carers and these are now being taken forward alongside other relevant initiatives already underway. New initiatives include doubling the allocated resources available to local authorities for carers' services to £10 million, the promotion of new and more flexible services, drawing up legislative proposals, and the provision of better and more targeted information for carers.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135363,"EventID":"S1O-01226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to exempt Scottish students on specialist courses in England which are unavailable at Scottish institutions from paying tuition fees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to exempt Scottish students on specialist courses in England which are unavailable at Scottish institutions from paying tuition fees.","AnswerText":"In the programme of proposals debated and agreed in Parliament on 27 January, we explained the exemption from making a contribution to tuition fees from academic year 2000-01 would only apply to Scottish domiciled and EU students attending Scottish institutions. In saying that I want to stress that no Scottish student studying in England, Wales or Northern Ireland will be worse off than under the present arrangements. We will, however, continue to examine this issue, and others that arise from our proposals, as the work on the detail of the new support scheme progresses.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135364,"EventID":"S1O-01227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being introduced to support the voluntary and community sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being introduced to support the voluntary and community sector.","AnswerText":"The SE is actively pursuing a range of measures designed to further its commitment to support the voluntary and community sector. These include: implementing the Compact across central government departments and agencies; attracting new forms of financial support; strengthening the council for voluntary service network; completing the local volunteer development agency network; increasing the number of people taking part in voluntary activities, supporting volunteering among young people; and reorganising administrative arrangements within the Executive to give voluntary sector issues a more strategic and high profile focus. On 31 January we launched a major consultation on the Active Communities Initiative and are holding a high level conference about it on 2 March.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135365,"EventID":"S1O-01229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to assist local authorities to maintain an appropriate number of supply teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to assist local authorities to maintain an appropriate number of supply teachers.","AnswerText":"We have given guidance on this to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. Student intakes to courses of initial teacher education in 1999-2000 took account of this guidance and the Funding Council will be taking similar action for intakes in 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135366,"EventID":"S1O-01230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures are being introduced to address school exclusions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures are being introduced to address school exclusions.","AnswerText":"A wide range of initiatives are being developed by education authorities supported by funding from the Scottish Executive under the Alternatives to Exclusion initiatives. £5 million was allocated this year rising to £8 million in 2000-01 and £10 million in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135367,"EventID":"S1O-01235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure residential schools there are in Scotland; what the total number of places available within them is, and what steps it is taking to ensure that supply mee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure residential schools there are in Scotland; what the total number of places available within them is, and what steps it is taking to ensure that supply meets the need for such places.","AnswerText":"There are 87 secure places at present in Scotland. Of these, 49 places are in Rossie (near Montrose) and St Mary's (Bishopbriggs, Glasgow) independent schools. The remainder are in local authority units in Kerelaw, Glasgow, Howdenhall, St Katherine's, Edinburgh and Rimbelton Young Person's Centre, Fife. We need to look at the use of secure accommodation in the round. An advisory group has been established to help us do this with representatives from the secure units, Directors of Social Work, Children's Panels, Chief Police Officers, the Prison service and criminal justice interests. One of the key issues to be examined is how best to manage supply and demand for secure places.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135368,"EventID":"S1O-01236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in Scotland will benefit from the forthcoming uprating of the National Minimum Wage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in Scotland will benefit from the forthcoming uprating of the National Minimum Wage.","AnswerText":"The Low Pay Commission published a recent report on this reserved issue. They estimate that some 1.5 million people across the United Kingdom stand to gain from the minimum wage, but do not analyse this by country or region. However, Office for National Statistics figures from last year indicated that at least 40,000 low paid workers in Scotland had their pay raised above the national minimum wage rates in spring 1999. It is likely that a similar number of people in Scotland will benefit from the uprating.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135369,"EventID":"S1O-01242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to maintain the overnight rail freight service from the Highlands to London.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to maintain the overnight rail freight service from the Highlands to London.","AnswerText":"The movement of freight is a commercial matter for the rail freight companies. Services are provided in response to demand.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135370,"EventID":"S1O-01243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Lothian University Hospitals' Trust have informed it of any adjustment to the levels of service which will be required to eliminate or minimise the projected over","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Lothian University Hospitals' Trust have informed it of any adjustment to the levels of service which will be required to eliminate or minimise the projected overspend of #5 million.","AnswerText":"Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust has not made any adjustment to the level of service provided to patients in response to its projected financial position. Action is being taken to further reduce infrastructure and overhead costs, including management costs, to address the projected overspend. These actions will not impact on the level of healthcare delivered to patients.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135371,"EventID":"S1O-01244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in supporting best practice and best value in local authority service delivery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in supporting best practice and best value in local authority service delivery.","AnswerText":"The Best Value Task Force published its final report on 10 December. We are considering the recommendations and intend to report soon. In the interim the Scottish Executive have continued to work in partnership with CoSLA, the Accounts Commission, the various Inspectorates and all of Scotland's local authorities to help develop and promote improved service delivery.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135372,"EventID":"S1O-01251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set out the legal position on the use of barbed and ra'or wire on the boundaries of residential properties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set out the legal position on the use of barbed and ra'or wire on the boundaries of residential properties.","AnswerText":"There is no law which expressly governs the use of barbed wire or razor wire. Property owners have the right to take reasonable means to protect their property and prevent damage. This may include the building of walls and fences. However, the owner or person in control of property owes a duty of care even to trespassers if their presence is reasonably foreseeable. The owner may be liable to pay damages to people injured through his negligence.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135373,"EventID":"S1O-01253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure equalisation of waiting times, across all specialities, within NHS Trusts and health boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure equalisation of waiting times, across all specialities, within NHS Trusts and health boards.","AnswerText":"We are currently working with the NHS in Scotland to establish national maximum waiting times, to be delivered from March 2001, in the key clinical specialties of heart disease, cancer and mental health. In addition, the introduction of instant appointment booking systems, the establishment of additional one-stop clinics and the re-design of services to improve the patient pathway, will tackle inequity and reduce waiting times.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135374,"EventID":"S1O-01260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support Glasgow City Council in meeting the needs of its older citi'ens.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support Glasgow City Council in meeting the needs of its older citi'ens.","AnswerText":"The local government settlement for 2000-01 provides for the City of Glasgow Council to increase its revenue expenditure to around £1.1 billion. Older people in Glasgow will benefit from a significant proportion of these resources through a range of services.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135375,"EventID":"S1O-01265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were on duty during the protest at the Faslane Nuclear Base on 14 February 2000 and how much this police presence cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were on duty during the protest at the Faslane Nuclear Base on 14 February 2000 and how much this police presence cost.","AnswerText":"During the protest 174 police officers were deployed. The operation was policed by officers rostered to be on duty and the costs were met from the Chief Constable's operational budget.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135376,"EventID":"S1O-01268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the development of anti-racist education since the publication of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report and whether it will include a provisi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the development of anti-racist education since the publication of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report and whether it will include a provision to promote equality of opportunity in the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Bill.","AnswerText":"Increasing social inclusion and tolerance is already an important aim for all schools. To help schools evaluate of their practice in combating discrimination and achieving equality of opportunity, HMI and South Ayrshire Council together published, in February 1999, A Route to Equality and Fairness: a self evaluation guide using performance indicators. The Executive will shortly be funding a project aimed at providing all teaching staff with materials to support more effective delivery of anti-racism education.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135377,"EventID":"S1O-01270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps it is taking or intends to take to tackle fuel poverty during this session of the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps it is taking or intends to take to tackle fuel poverty during this session of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"We are tackling fuel poverty through the Warm Deal where we are spending nearly £40 million over four years; through New Housing Partnerships, which have funding of £333 million over three years; through local authority capital expenditure programmes and through housing association improvement programmes.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135378,"EventID":"S1O-01277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Transport and the Environment on 7 October 1999, what steps are being taken to promote the safety of rail passen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Transport and the Environment on 7 October 1999, what steps are being taken to promote the safety of rail passengers.","AnswerText":"Railway safety is a reserved matter and safety standards are applied equally across the GB railway system. The Scottish Executive is nonetheless in regular contact with the various GB bodies responsible for rail safety.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135379,"EventID":"S1O-01304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the system of financial assistance to Scottish domiciled students who have gained scholarships under the Dance and Drama Award Scheme, given that s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the system of financial assistance to Scottish domiciled students who have gained scholarships under the Dance and Drama Award Scheme, given that some local authorities have ceased to award discretionary bursary payments.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities in Scotland to decide whether to award discretionary bursary payments to students. We have no plans at present to change this system.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135380,"EventID":"S1O-01319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the management of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the management of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"Ministers meet the management of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) from time to time to discuss a variety of issues. The last meeting was in July last year when operational matters were discussed. Scottish Executive officials also meet HIAL's management regularly to discuss financial and operational matters, as well as through the presence of an assessor at Board meetings.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135381,"EventID":"S1O-01327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recovery plan submitted by Argyll and Clyde Acute NHS Trust proposes any retraining or re-skilling programmes for staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recovery plan submitted by Argyll and Clyde Acute NHS Trust proposes any retraining or re-skilling programmes for staff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working closely with the Trust and health board to ensure that robust financial stability plans are produced which will ensure that high quality patient care continues to be delivered within a sustainable financial framework.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135382,"EventID":"S1O-01329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recovery plan submitted by South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust is expected to have any impact on ambulance service provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recovery plan submitted by South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust is expected to have any impact on ambulance service provision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working closely with the Trust and the health board to ensure that a robust recovery plan is produced, which will ensure that high quality patient care continues to be delivered within a sustainable financial framework.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135383,"EventID":"S1O-01330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recovery plan submitted by Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust proposes any staff re-deployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recovery plan submitted by Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust proposes any staff re-deployment.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer I gave to Mr Gil Paterson earlier this afternoon.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135384,"EventID":"S1O-01337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use it will make of information and communication technology to improve patient care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use it will make of information and communication technology to improve patient care.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intends to maximise the use of information and communications technology in the development of a seamless service for patients. We will exploit modern Internet technologies to replace over 20 million paper clinical messages and forms a year with faster, more reliable, electronic communications and make vital clinical information about our patients available appropriately to healthcare professionals under strict provisions to protect patient confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135385,"EventID":"S1O-01339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the 3,500 BARMAC workers facing redundancy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the 3,500 BARMAC workers facing redundancy.","AnswerText":"I refer Mary Scanlon to the written answer I gave to Maureen Macmillan's question on this matter on 16 December 1999 (S1W-2910). Since then the on-site information centres have been opened and the information pack published. The training and upskilling initiatives are in hand and continue to be developed. Initial efforts have involved the creation of workshops to offer career guidance to groups of individuals, short courses designed to improve computer keyboard skills, courses to provide health and safety qualifications, a range of \"craft\" related skills such as rope access, survival training and weld codings. In addition, use of the Ardersier training centre allows welders to maintain codes. Over 2,000 people have now been registered on the HIE-OPS database.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135386,"EventID":"S1O-01341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure equality of access to rail services across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure equality of access to rail services across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive has issued guidance to local authorities on the preparation of Local Transport Strategies. These should address, amongst other things, improved accessibility to public transport for those with mobility problems. Scottish Ministers have awarded additional capital allocations to four councils and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority for projects which include measures to provide improved access for disabled people to rail services and stations.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135387,"EventID":"S1O-01343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the progress of the discussions which have taken place at the Women's Consultative Forum (WCF) and what mechanisms have been put in place for th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the progress of the discussions which have taken place at the Women's Consultative Forum (WCF) and what mechanisms have been put in place for the WCF to inform policy development.","AnswerText":"The Executive held its first meeting of the Women in Scotland Consultative Forum on 1 November and a detailed report of this meeting has been widely circulated. The Forum provides a useful opportunity for Ministers and officials to engage in dialogue with women's organisations to inform future policy development.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135388,"EventID":"S1O-01344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to regulate the use of jet skis in Scotland's coastal waters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to regulate the use of jet skis in Scotland's coastal waters.","AnswerText":"Maritime safety and vessel regulation are reserved matters and the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The Scottish Executive maintains regular contact with DETR on a range of matters, including coastal waters. I understand there are no plans to regulate the use of jet skis in coastal waters.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135389,"EventID":"S1O-01347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Ministers have met their European counterparts over the past two months and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Ministers have met their European counterparts over the past two months and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"Since 1January 2000, Mr Sam Galbraith has met the Albanian Minister for Education and Science; Susan Deacon has met the Finnish Ministers for Social Affairs and Health and Social Services; Sarah Boyack has met the Icelandic Minister for Transport, Communications and Tourism and Ms Wendy Alexander and Jackie Baillie have met the Irish Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs. In addition, I have met the Czech Deputy Prime Minister and, with Mr Tom McCabe, the Bavarian Minister for European Affairs. We all discussed issues relevant to the people of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135390,"EventID":"S1O-01352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached any decisions regarding the M74 Northern Extension following the Minister for Transport's meeting with the local authorities involved in December 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached any decisions regarding the M74 Northern Extension following the Minister for Transport's meeting with the local authorities involved in December 1999.","AnswerText":"When I announced the outcome of the Strategic Roads Review on 4 November 1999, I noted that responsibility for progressing the M74 proposals would continue to rest with the City of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire Councils. At my meeting in December with representatives of Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Councils, I indicated that I wished my officials to offer advice and assistance to the Councils as they developed their thinking on the scheme. As a result, Scottish Executive officials have since met the Councils on a number of occasions and are keeping closely in touch with progress.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135391,"EventID":"S1O-01358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the Joint Action Committee on child poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the Joint Action Committee on child poverty.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Committee on Poverty held a preliminary meeting on 9 December 1999 when the Minister for Children and I represented The Scottish Executive. The Committee will meet again shortly when its terms of reference and future work programme will be finalised.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135392,"EventID":"S1O-01359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was made aware of the current state of repair of the roof at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was made aware of the current state of repair of the roof at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was first made aware of the state of repair of the roof at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh in December 1999. It is the responsibility of The Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust to ensure the buildings owned by the Trust are safe and secure.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135393,"EventID":"S1O-01363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to promote community development in coalfield communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to promote community development in coalfield communities.","AnswerText":"In addition to other initiatives and activities to revitalise communities, we are providing the Coalfields Regeneration Trust with £4.5 million over three years to support the regeneration of coalfield communities across Scotland. The Trust has established its Scottish office in Alloa and its development officers are now active in coalfield communities promoting the work of the Trust and encouraging applications for support.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135394,"EventID":"S1O-01364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that it will provide no special deficit funding for Scottish Opera for the financial year 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that it will provide no special deficit funding for Scottish Opera for the financial year 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The additional funding I announced on 8 November 1999 in response to the question from Malcolm Chisholm MSP was a one-off payment. I have no plans to make further special payments to Scottish Opera in the financial year 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135395,"EventID":"S1O-01370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to address the increase in excess winter deaths.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to address the increase in excess winter deaths.","AnswerText":"Works to improve home insulation may well help to reduce the number of excess winter deaths, hence the Warm Deal, the biggest package of home insulation measures ever available in Scotland - a total of approximately £39 million over the next three years. This can lead to savings in fuel bills of up to £170 per year. 100,000 households will benefit from the Warm Deal during the lifetime of this administration.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135396,"EventID":"S1O-01374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much land and property Scottish Enterprise and the local enterprise companies have sold or disposed of since May 1997; what was the total monetary worth of the sales ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much land and property Scottish Enterprise and the local enterprise companies have sold or disposed of since May 1997; what was the total monetary worth of the sales or disposals, and which government departments have been in receipt of the revenues raised from the sales or disposals.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise and the local enterprise companies have sold 796 acres of land and 1,158,000 sq ft of buildings during the period from April 1997 to the end of February 2000. These sales realised income of £62.148 million. Each year Scottish Enterprise is set a gross expenditure budget. This gross figure represents the maximum expenditure Scottish Enterprise may incur in the financial year. Receipts from the sale of land and property contribute towards this overall gross figure.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135397,"EventID":"S1O-01375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the joint working group established with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to look at issues such as three-year planning, hypothecation, salari","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the joint working group established with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to look at issues such as three-year planning, hypothecation, salaries and guidelines to report, whether the report will be published and whether it will be available in time to affect the way next year's local government financial settlement is decided.","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the joint working group will take place later this month. The work of the group will inform the discussions that we will have with CoSLA on next year's local government finance settlement, and it will also inform the longer-term strategy of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135398,"EventID":"S1O-01386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died because of the incidence of flu this winter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died because of the incidence of flu this winter.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to give a precise answer. Even during a major influenza outbreak, the underlying cause of death is rarely classified as influenza, and doctors do not often mention influenza on the certificate of cause of death. Provisional returns for the three months December 1999 to February 2000 show that influenza was mentioned in only 161 cases. It is known that deaths from a number of other causes, notably pneumonia and other respiratory conditions, increase significantly during a period of high influenza activity. However, there is no standard method of associating a proportion of these extra deaths with influenza activity.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135399,"EventID":"S1O-01390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to alleviate long term unemployment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to alleviate long term unemployment.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. The New Deal for Young People and the New Deal for the Long Term Unemployed Aged 25 plus are aimed at alleviating long term unemployment. Already in Scotland, from January 1998 to December 1999, over 21,000 young people have found work and a further 2,800 have found work under the New Deal 25 plus, since June 1998.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135400,"EventID":"S1O-01391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport regarding the National Lottery licence renewal and any effect this may have on the allocat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport regarding the National Lottery licence renewal and any effect this may have on the allocation and distribution of funding to Scottish charities.","AnswerText":"The new National Lottery licence will be awarded by the National Lottery Commission, which is an independent body. The award will have no effect on the distribution of lottery funds, which will remain a matter for the Lottery distributing bodies.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135401,"EventID":"S1O-01398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to reduce any stigma associated with mental health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to reduce any stigma associated with mental health.","AnswerText":"The Framework for Mental Health Services, launched in 1997, emphasises the need for all care agencies to publicise and improve the profile of mental health services in the community. Health boards - often working in partnership with Trusts, primary care agencies and local communities - undertake a range of local health promotion initiatives aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues, including stigma. Furthermore, the Health Education Board for Scotland promotes the reduction of stigma through their support of \"Scottish Mental Health Week\" and in the \"Think About It\" campaign aimed at young people.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135402,"EventID":"S1O-01401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will achieve its targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will achieve its targets to speed treatment and shorten waiting times in the NHS.","AnswerText":"As I announced in Parliament on 16 December 1999, we are working with the NHS in Scotland to establish national maximum waiting times, to be delivered from March 2001, in the key clinical specialties of heart disease, cancer and mental health. In addition, the introduction of walk-in/walk-out centres, the establishment of additional one-stop clinics and the redesign of services to improve the patient pathway, will speed treatment and reduce waiting times.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135403,"EventID":"S1O-01402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that local government funding will increase over the next few years and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about increasi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that local government funding will increase over the next few years and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about increasing the block grant so that a larger amount of money can be available in future local government settlements.","AnswerText":"Local government funding in Scotland is planned to increase by more than the rate of inflation this year, next year, and the year after. The total budget available for the Scottish Executive's programmes is determined in accordance with funding rules published by HM Treasury in March 1999. The future funding of local government in Scotland will be considered by the Executive in the course of the spending review which is currently in progress.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135404,"EventID":"S1O-01408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with other bodies or organisations in relation to the effect on local shops of the proposed bus corridors in Shettleston, Glasgow and elsewher","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with other bodies or organisations in relation to the effect on local shops of the proposed bus corridors in Shettleston, Glasgow and elsewhere.","AnswerText":"None. As I said in reply to Ms Sandra White's question on 24 February this is a matter for the Council as local roads authority.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135405,"EventID":"S1O-01410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to improve transport provision for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to improve transport provision for disabled people.","AnswerText":"I announced on 13 March that I have decided to set up a national group to advise the Executive on the transport needs of people with disabilities. The group, on which a variety of organisations concerned with people experiencing mobility problems, including blind and deaf people will be represented, will be able to contribute to the formation of policies on access to all forms of public and private transport. The full remit and membership of the group will be announced following consultation with disability groups and transport bodies.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135406,"EventID":"S1O-01414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that literature promoting homosexuality would be purchased and distributed to children by (a) local authorities and (b) individual schools in the eve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that literature promoting homosexuality would be purchased and distributed to children by (a) local authorities and (b) individual schools in the event of the repeal of section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such evidence. We are not aware of any instances of a Scottish local authority or school distributing literature promoting homosexuality to children: nor do we know of any local authority or school which has any intention to distribute such literature. The existing safeguards have a good track record in protecting children from potentially inappropriate behaviour and the additional measures we are taking will further strengthen them.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135407,"EventID":"S1O-01415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards implementing the recommendations in the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' 1998 report Guidance on Preparing and Implementing a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards implementing the recommendations in the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' 1998 report Guidance on Preparing and Implementing a Multi-agency Strategy to Tackle Violence Against Women.","AnswerText":"Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of this guidance is a matter for CoSLA.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135408,"EventID":"S1O-01416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Scottish Homes regarding the outstanding debt associated with transferred housing stock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Scottish Homes regarding the outstanding debt associated with transferred housing stock.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive closely monitors Scottish Homes' financial position, including the outstanding debt associated with its transferred housing stock.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135409,"EventID":"S1O-01420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to encourage the provision of childcare in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to encourage the provision of childcare in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are investing over £432 million over three years in the Childcare Strategy and pre-school education. This will help provide good quality, affordable childcare in every neighbourhood. A further £42 million is also available for Sure Start Scotland to support vulnerable families with very young children.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135410,"EventID":"S1O-01423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of financial savings which have been made across Scotland following the recent local government financial settlement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of financial savings which have been made across Scotland following the recent local government financial settlement.","AnswerText":"Next year's settlement provides for real terms increases. Government Supported Expenditure (GSE) is set to rise by 3.7% and Aggregate External Finance (AEF) by 2.9%.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135411,"EventID":"S1O-01424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expected date is by which local authorities will be required to register land on the contaminated land register regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expected date is by which local authorities will be required to register land on the contaminated land register regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerText":"Local authorities will not be required to register land on a contaminated land register by a specific date. Following implementation of the new contaminated land regime, which, subject to Parliament, we hope to bring into force in Scotland early in June this year, it will be up to each local authority, as the enforcing authority, to identify contaminated land within its area and to record in a public register all regulatory action taken in respect of its remediation. In the case of contaminated land identified as a special site, the enforcing authority will be the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Local authorities will have 15 months from the date of the commencement of the enabling regulations to produce strategies for inspecting their areas to identify contaminated land.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135412,"EventID":"S1O-01427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the timescale for consultation on national priorities for Scottish schools has been decided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the timescale for consultation on national priorities for Scottish schools has been decided.","AnswerText":"The consultation on National Priorities will commence shortly and I will ensure that the consultation period is long enough so that all those who want to be involved have the opportunity to do so.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135413,"EventID":"S1O-01429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the local government spending settlement is on elderly people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the local government spending settlement is on elderly people.","AnswerText":"For the second year running local authority expenditure and grant are both set to increase in real terms. Much of the expenditure will benefit older people.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135414,"EventID":"S1O-01431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the New Deal has made on long-term youth unemployment in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the New Deal has made on long-term youth unemployment in Scotland.","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 Executive. Over 21,000 young people have found jobs through the New Deal for Young People up to the end of December 1999. Youth unemployment in Scotland has fallen by 5,000 since February 1998, a fall of 55%.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135415,"EventID":"S1O-01436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will send copies of all consultation documents to each Scottish Parliament partner library.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will send copies of all consultation documents to each Scottish Parliament partner library.","AnswerText":"Yes. All partner libraries have direct access to all Scottish Executive consultation documents though the Internet. The Scottish Executive will also provide hard copies of consultation documents to any partner libraries which request them.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135416,"EventID":"S1O-01437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has about the possible take-over of Border Television, and whether it intends to make any representations to Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has about the possible take-over of Border Television, and whether it intends to make any representations to Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is important that Border Television should provide a high quality service to viewers in Scotland in line with their licence obligations. The Executive keeps in touch with the Government on a range of matters, including broadcasting.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135417,"EventID":"S1O-01439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way its land reform proposals will lead to the creation of new crofts and new crofting lands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way its land reform proposals will lead to the creation of new crofts and new crofting lands.","AnswerText":"The proposals for creating new crofts and new crofting lands are explained in page 13 of the Land Reform Policy Group Recommendations For Action published in January 1999. The Partnership for Government indicated the intention of the Executive to legislate on the recommendations of the Land Reform Policy Group.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135418,"EventID":"S1O-01442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2271 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 November 1999, how many warrants have been issued relating to people resident in Scotland for (a) the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2271 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 November 1999, how many warrants have been issued relating to people resident in Scotland for (a) the interception of communications and (b) interference with property since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Since 1 July 1999, 204 warrants have been issued by Scottish Ministers under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 for serious crime purposes. I understand that 35 warrants have been issued in Scotland under Part III of the Police Act 1997 over the same period.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135419,"EventID":"S1O-01447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its decision on the future of Boharm School.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its decision on the future of Boharm School.","AnswerText":"We shall announce our decision as soon as possible after we have completed the careful consideration which any proposal to close a school requires.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135420,"EventID":"S1O-01451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it makes available to help companies set up renewable energy schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it makes available to help companies set up renewable energy schemes.","AnswerText":"In February I announced to Parliament that I was consulting on a Renewables (Scotland) Obligation to increase by a further 5% the already considerable use of renewable energy in Scotland. This obligation, which would be placed on all electricity suppliers in Scotland, would be designed to stimulate further development of renewable energy in Scotland, but would not include direct financial assistance for developers of renewable energy projects.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135421,"EventID":"S1O-01455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Chancellor of the Exchequer's budget will have on employment, enterprise and economic growth in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Chancellor of the Exchequer's budget will have on employment, enterprise and economic growth in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Chancellor announced a wide range of measures which are intended to boost employment, enterprise and economic growth in both Scotland and the UK as a whole. These measures will build on the recent strong performance of the Scottish Economy.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135422,"EventID":"S1O-01458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to assist local authorities and owner-occupiers to tackle disrepair of older tenement properties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to assist local authorities and owner-occupiers to tackle disrepair of older tenement properties.","AnswerText":"The improvement and repairs grant system will be reformed by introducing a test of resources to decide the amount of grant. Assistance will be available at rates up to 100% for households on the lowest incomes. All those taking part in common repairs will receive at least a minimum percentage grant. These reforms will help local authorities promote necessary works and encourage owner-occupiers to carry them out.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135423,"EventID":"S1O-01463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health last met Greater Glasgow Health Board and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health last met Greater Glasgow Health Board and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"I meet with representatives of Greater Glasgow Health Board on a regular basis when a range of health matters are discussed.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135424,"EventID":"S1O-01468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are living in poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are living in poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Poverty is not only about income, but also about health, environment, and opportunity in its widest sense. As a result, there is no single measure of poverty. In 'Social Justice: a Scotland where everyone matters' we set out a wide range of indicators for measuring the impact of action tackling poverty and social exclusion - the current data in relation to these measures is set out in the companion document on sources and definitions. We will report on progress later this year in our first Annual Social Justice Report.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135425,"EventID":"S1O-01471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish pupils have a school-provided e-mail address and what proportion of the primary and secondary school populations respectively these figures represent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish pupils have a school-provided e-mail address and what proportion of the primary and secondary school populations respectively these figures represent.","AnswerText":"The target is for all pupils to have access to e-mail. At the last formal survey in October 1999, 1% of primary pupils and 7% of secondary pupils had their own, school provided, e-mail addresses. This represents an early stage in the development of the National Grid for Learning, particularly in primary schools, and we know that the situation is changing all the time. For example, since October 1999 Edinburgh has completed its network, giving 50,000 pupils and 3,000 teachers access to e-mail and Internet services.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135426,"EventID":"S1O-01473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been considered in order to alleviate any problems of dairy farmers on Islay following the closure of the island's creamery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been considered in order to alleviate any problems of dairy farmers on Islay following the closure of the island's creamery.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is very disappointed that the directors of the creamery found it necessary to appoint a Receiver. We have met with local farmers and consultation is now underway to remove Islay from the milk quota ring fence which will allow the island dairy farmers to lease out or transfer their quota on the mainland quota market. We recognise the serious implications of this situation for the economy of the island, and we are keeping in close touch with developments.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135427,"EventID":"S1O-01474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to restructure the dairy industry on Islay following the closure of the Islay Creamery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to restructure the dairy industry on Islay following the closure of the Islay Creamery.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Lyon to the answer I gave Mr Johnstone to his question S1O-1473.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135428,"EventID":"S1O-01479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any assessment of the impact on social inclusion of the abolition of Mortgage Interest Relief at Source (MIRAS).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any assessment of the impact on social inclusion of the abolition of Mortgage Interest Relief at Source (MIRAS).","AnswerText":"Responsibility for taxation policy, including the abolition of MIRAS, rests with Her Majesty's Treasury. The Treasury advise that, because of current low interest rates, even after the withdrawal of MIRAS, the average monthly mortgage will cost £300 a month less than it did when interest rates were at their peak in the early 1990s. The Scottish Executive have no plans to carry out any additional assessment.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135429,"EventID":"S1O-01480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to maintaining the existing bio-diversity within Scotland's countryside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to maintaining the existing bio-diversity within Scotland's countryside.","AnswerText":"Yes. The is responsible for the implementation in Scotland of the UK obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. There are 275 Species Action Plans and 32 Habitat Action Plans in place which are relevant to Scotland. All Scottish local authorities have also been encouraged to develop Local Biodiversity Action Plans, which aim to deliver conservation of both nationally and locally important biodiversity.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135430,"EventID":"S1O-01482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Chancellor of the Exchequer's budget announcement regarding the New Deal Programme will have on the number of long-term unemployed people in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Chancellor of the Exchequer's budget announcement regarding the New Deal Programme will have on the number of long-term unemployed people in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on the funding and delivery of the New Deal. In his budget the Chancellor announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at helping all long term unemployed people aged over 25 coming into effect from April 2001. Throughout the UK as a whole it is envisaged that 145,000, 150,000 and 120,000 people will be helped over the three years 2001-02 - 2003-04 respectively. In Scotland, there are currently 17,500 adults aged 25 or over and unemployed for 18 months or longer.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135431,"EventID":"S1O-01484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the current status, funding and role of the Civic Forum and when it expects it to become fully operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the current status, funding and role of the Civic Forum and when it expects it to become fully operational.","AnswerText":"I hope to make a statement to the Parliament on civic participation, including the Civic Forum, shortly after the forthcoming recess.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135432,"EventID":"S1O-01489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove or increase the ceiling on agri-environment schemes to bring Scotland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove or increase the ceiling on agri-environment schemes to bring Scotland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to remove ceilings on agri-environment scheme payments. Payment ceilings are intended to ensure an equitable spread of finite resources, and are kept under regular review. Increases for some Environmentally Sensitive Areas are planned for later this year, and the ceiling planned for the new Rural Stewardship Scheme will be set at a higher level than currently operating in the Countryside Premium Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135433,"EventID":"S1O-01490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the discussions it has had with the City Of Edinburgh Council about the impact of the Holyrood Project on traffic and the source of funding for an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the discussions it has had with the City Of Edinburgh Council about the impact of the Holyrood Project on traffic and the source of funding for any road realignments required as a result of the project.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials have had regular meetings with the City of Edinburgh Council about traffic and road realignment as a consequence of the development of the Parliament at Holyrood.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135434,"EventID":"S1O-01492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in tackling stalking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in tackling stalking.","AnswerText":"On 23 March the Scottish Executive published a consultation paper inviting comments on current law and practice in relation to harassment and stalking. The consultation period ends on 9 June. Thereafter the Executive will report its findings and its recommendations to the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135435,"EventID":"S1O-01493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support farming families who have low or negative incomes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support farming families who have low or negative incomes.","AnswerText":"Since last summer, the Executive has approved additional financial aid to Scottish farmers and crofters worth £110 million. This includes the £39 million package announced last week. That represents a substantial commitment to helping the agriculture industry through its current difficulties. Short-term aid is, however, only part of the solution and we must take steps, together with the industry, to tackle underlying structural problems. To aid that process, I am publishing an agricultural strategy discussion document today. I invite everyone with an interest in the future of this important industry to take part in that discussion.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135436,"EventID":"S1O-01511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the next local government elections will be held in the year 2002 and what electoral system will be used for these elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the next local government elections will be held in the year 2002 and what electoral system will be used for these elections.","AnswerText":"We have recently consulted on the timing of local government elections and other matters as part of the Executive's response to the McIntosh recommendations. The cross-party Renewing Local Democracy Working Group is also currently considering the most appropriate system for local government elections. This group is due to report in the spring. The timing of the next local government elections and the system by which councillors will be elected will be decided following our consideration of this consultation and the outcome of the Renewing Local Democracy Working Group.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135437,"EventID":"S1O-01515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it will take of the outcome of the proposed private referendum regarding the repeal of section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it will take of the outcome of the proposed private referendum regarding the repeal of section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986.","AnswerText":"The debates on the proposal to repeal section 2A as part of our consideration of the Ethical Standards Bill will be informed by a wide range of views, comments and representations from people throughout Scotland. It then falls to members of this Parliament to take the decision.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135438,"EventID":"S1O-01516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it will play in implementing the e-commerce initiatives agreed at the Lisbon EU Summit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it will play in implementing the e-commerce initiatives agreed at the Lisbon EU Summit.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will pursue key initiatives in the European and UK regulatory framework for e-commerce as proposed at the Lisbon summit. Through the National Grid for Learning programme, the Scottish Executive is already committed to connecting every school to the Internet, providing at least four modern computers for every class, and ensuring that teachers and pupils will have the ICT skills to make full use of them. Other direct actions for the Executive in implementing the conclusions of the summit include ensuring electronic access to those basic public services for which the Executive has responsibility. We will be reviewing this last initiative in light of the First Minister's announcement on Thursday 30 March that all devolved government services which can feasibly be delivered online should be available by 2005. The Scottish Executive will also have a role in promoting the development of high-speed telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in relation to higher and further education.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135439,"EventID":"S1O-01519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made to support children diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis with their schoolwork.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made to support children diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis with their schoolwork.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a duty to secure an adequate and efficient education for all children, including those with significant health difficulties. Provision will vary according to the assessed needs of the individual child.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135440,"EventID":"S1O-01521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last made representations to the Department of Trade and Industry and what was discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last made representations to the Department of Trade and Industry and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry about a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135441,"EventID":"S1O-01525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a rebate or relief scheme this year for those on low incomes who are liable for water charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a rebate or relief scheme this year for those on low incomes who are liable for water charges.","AnswerText":"The arrangements linking water and sewerage charges to council tax bands already provide substantial assistance to many less well-off households. The Executive is considering whether it is possible to improve on the protection provided by these arrangements. Any new measures would be introduced in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135442,"EventID":"S1O-01528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to take any action regarding the proposed sale of the Black Cuillins on Skye.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to take any action regarding the proposed sale of the Black Cuillins on Skye.","AnswerText":"We do not propose to intervene in the private sale of the Cuillin Estate.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135443,"EventID":"S1O-01531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the arrangements are for monitoring levels of cycling in Scotland and how it is evaluating progress in meeting the targets set out in the national cycling strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the arrangements are for monitoring levels of cycling in Scotland and how it is evaluating progress in meeting the targets set out in the national cycling strategy.","AnswerText":"The UK National Travel Survey and the Scottish Household Survey will be used as the basis for monitoring and evaluating progress in meeting the targets set out in the National Cycling Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135444,"EventID":"S1O-01533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the role of tourist centres will develop in the light of the current tourism strategy for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the role of tourist centres will develop in the light of the current tourism strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the local Area Tourist Boards. The position will be kept under review in the light of Information and Communication Technology developments.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135445,"EventID":"S1O-01534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the treatment of persons who are alleged to have committed further offences while on bail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the treatment of persons who are alleged to have committed further offences while on bail.","AnswerText":"The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 provides power for the courts to impose a heavier sentence on persons convicted of an offence committed while on bail.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135446,"EventID":"S1O-01542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it anticipates the Scottish Parliament building as currently planned will make to Scotland's architectural heritage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it anticipates the Scottish Parliament building as currently planned will make to Scotland's architectural heritage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that the Parliament building should be a modern and operationally efficient building of the highest architectural merit that should both reflect and contribute to Scotland's architectural heritage.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135447,"EventID":"S1O-01543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place within the Executive following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place within the Executive following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's budget.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has agreed to allocate the new resources available to the Scottish Budget and the Minister for Finance reported our conclusion to Parliament on 30 March 2000. Ministers are determined to improve services and secure maximum value for this additional investment.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135448,"EventID":"S1O-01544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure the future of Wick Airport by bringing the runway up to the required standard.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure the future of Wick Airport by bringing the runway up to the required standard.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), which operates Wick Airport, is giving its highest priority to making preparations for the resurfacing of the main runway at the airport.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135449,"EventID":"S1O-01546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-03-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government and local authorities about electronic delivery of public services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government and local authorities about electronic delivery of public services.","AnswerText":"Mr Jack McConnell met with Mo Mowlem, Minister for the Cabinet Office, earlier this year to discuss Modernising Government and electronic delivery of public services. Scottish Executive officials are in close and regular contact with the Cabinet Office, the Office of the e-Envoy, and other UK departments on this issue. Meetings are also taking place with local authority representatives to discuss how electronic delivery of public services can be taken forward in the local authority sector.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135450,"EventID":"S1O-01554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to supporting women, including child victims, who have suffered rape or other sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to supporting women, including child victims, who have suffered rape or other sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to ensuring that these victims have access to the support they need. We will continue to address their needs in initiatives such as the work being undertaken by the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse and the action plan following the report Towards a Just Conclusion.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135451,"EventID":"S1O-01555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to prevent the closure of public toilets throughout Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to prevent the closure of public toilets throughout Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for Aberdeenshire Council itself to determine its expenditure priorities and allocate the necessary resources accordingly. Aberdeenshire's guideline and grant have increased in the last two years.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135452,"EventID":"S1O-01558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why, if sex education is generally well handled in schools as it has stated, underage pregnancies are on a steep rate of increase.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why, if sex education is generally well handled in schools as it has stated, underage pregnancies are on a steep rate of increase.","AnswerText":"Underage pregnancies are not on a steep rate of increase. Nevertheless they are too high. The Executive is taking forward a range of measures to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy and to meet the commitments set out in Towards a Healthier Scotland. As part of our effort, the Executive is committed to the provision of effective and appropriate sex education for all of our young people.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135453,"EventID":"S1O-01561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received recently from voluntary sector organisations regarding the future structure of funding for the sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received recently from voluntary sector organisations regarding the future structure of funding for the sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's relationship with the voluntary sector, including funding matters, is set out in the Scottish Compact, which was endorsed by this Parliament last November, and in the good practice guides that support it. The implementation of the Compact is currently being reviewed jointly by the Executive and the sector and I shall report on this to the Parliament in due course. We have consulted on the funding of local Councils for Voluntary Service as part of a wider review of CVSs and I shall shortly make an announcement on this. We have also just begun a review of the funding arrangements for the black and ethnic minority voluntary sector. Our aim is to complete the review by the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135454,"EventID":"S1O-01566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will implement to ensure sustainable development in crofting communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will implement to ensure sustainable development in crofting communities.","AnswerText":"We will continue active support for the crofting way of life by giving crofting communities increased opportunity to manage their own sustainable development through the crofting community right to buy and by modernising crofting law. We will continue to administer the wide range of measures available to crofting communities in ways which aim to ensure that the developments which we support within these communities are sustainable.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135455,"EventID":"S1O-01569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether young people undertaking Higher Still programmes will receive adequate, relevant and appropriate career guidance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether young people undertaking Higher Still programmes will receive adequate, relevant and appropriate career guidance.","AnswerText":"Yes. Support for careers and other guidance for young people undertaking Higher Still programmes has been provided for schools, further education colleges and careers companies, through national training and the Progress and Planit databases.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135456,"EventID":"S1O-01570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average life expectancy in Scotland was in 1979 and what it was in 1997 and how these figures influence its policy in relation to the promotion of health educati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average life expectancy in Scotland was in 1979 and what it was in 1997 and how these figures influence its policy in relation to the promotion of health education in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In the period 1979 to 1997, average life expectancy increased from 74.4 to 78 years for women and from 68.2 to 72.6 years for men. But these levels remain significantly lower than those of other European countries and substantial variation exists in life expectancy between the rich and the poor, with that gap having widened since the mid-1980s. In consequence, the White Paper, Towards A Healthier Scotland, which was endorsed by the Scottish Parliament last September, sets out a wide ranging programme of action to improve Scotland's health. It gives full recognition to the impact on health of poverty and deprivation. Enhanced health education, with a specific focus on health inequalities, is a key component of the strategy and is now being taken forward, enthusiastically, by the Health Education Board for Scotland and Health Board Health Promotion Departments.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135457,"EventID":"S1O-01571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to safeguard the provision of EU subsidised milk for schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to safeguard the provision of EU subsidised milk for schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports fully the EU School Milk Subsidy Scheme and wishes to see it continue on its present form. This is reflected in the UK Government's negotiating stance in the Council of Ministers in Brussels where a decision on the future of the scheme has still to be taken.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135458,"EventID":"S1O-01573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a comprehensive review of services for the visually impaired in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a comprehensive review of services for the visually impaired in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Visually impaired people use a wide range of health, social and voluntary sector services. The Social Work Services Inspectorate published a review of social work services for people with a sensory impairment in 1998 entitled Sensing Progress. No further reviews are planned.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135459,"EventID":"S1O-01580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the importance is of economic links with the United States in promoting employment in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the importance is of economic links with the United States in promoting employment in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Economic links with the United States are extremely important. US companies have a long history of investment in Scotland. Over the last 20 years such investment has played a major role in the restructuring of the Scottish economy towards high technology industries, and has also brought new management practices and other benefits. The last ten years have seen Scotland attract over £3 billion worth of planned investment by US companies, involving the creation or safeguarding of some 44,700 planned jobs. The United States are also an important market for Scottish exports. In 1998 exports from Scotland to the US amounted to some £1.9 billion, (i.e. 10% of Scotland's total exports).","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135460,"EventID":"S1O-01586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how scientific research is being supported in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how scientific research is being supported in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scientific research in Scotland is supported in a number of ways. The Executive is currently developing a science strategy for Scotland which will address how to achieve a coherent and co-ordinated approach among the various bodies which support scientific research in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135461,"EventID":"S1O-01589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the regulation of bus services and whether it will consider creating a Scottish bus watchdog and customers' council, on the same lines as regulators","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the regulation of bus services and whether it will consider creating a Scottish bus watchdog and customers' council, on the same lines as regulators of rail, water and other services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's proposals for the improvement of bus services in Scotland are contained in the document The Integrated Transport Bill - The Executive's Proposals published on 10 February 2000. We are currently considering what may be the most appropriate arrangements for securing bus user representation.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135462,"EventID":"S1O-01594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the funding application by the Relatives Association of Scotland and what commitment it will give for long-term funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the funding application by the Relatives Association of Scotland and what commitment it will give for long-term funding.","AnswerText":"The Relatives Association of Scotland has applied for funding under Section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1967 and Section 16b of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978. The association has already been informed that there is no scope to fund new community care organisations under Section 10. The 16b application remains under consideration. I have recently met the association. I am interested in their potential contribution in support of our Strategy for Carers and am considering this further.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135463,"EventID":"S1O-01595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase capital budgets in the NHS above the levels already announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase capital budgets in the NHS above the levels already announced.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has increased capital investment in the NHS in Scotland from £136 million two years ago to £179 million this year. We will increase investment to at least £194 million next year - a rise of over 40% in just three years. In addition, we anticipate £171 million will be invested this year through PPP is estimated for the current year and we have committed a further £41 million to the NHS from the Capital Modernisation Fund.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135464,"EventID":"S1O-01596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to take forward the Scottish Berry Project proposals to protect the viability of raspberry growers and promote health benefits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to take forward the Scottish Berry Project proposals to protect the viability of raspberry growers and promote health benefits.","AnswerText":"The Berry Project was considered for funding from a number of sources including the \"Heart of Scotland\" and Starting Well\" health demonstration projects that were announced in the White Paper \"Towards a Healthier Scotland\". The project was not selected in the face of strong competition. The Scottish Executive are exploring other avenues of support for a project which has potential to provide benefits both to the raspberry industry and to the health of the nation.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135465,"EventID":"S1O-01598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing shared care strategies to assist patients with opiate addiction in the Lanarkshire area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing shared care strategies to assist patients with opiate addiction in the Lanarkshire area.","AnswerText":"Lanarkshire Drug Action Team are committed to an extension of Shared Care activity in the area in line with the Action In Partnership strategy. This includes a comprehensive training and support service in which over 50% of GP practices in the area are participating. The Drug Action Team aim to have 80% of GP practices participating by 2002.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135466,"EventID":"S1O-01601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, consequent to the recent fatal road traffic accident on the A7 South of Langholm, it will prioritise the upgrade of the Auchenrivock section of this trunk road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, consequent to the recent fatal road traffic accident on the A7 South of Langholm, it will prioritise the upgrade of the Auchenrivock section of this trunk road.","AnswerText":"May I first of all express my sympathies to the casualties and the relatives of those who died in the recent accident. In this case, the factors contributing to the accident do not appear to be related to the condition or layout of the road and no road contributory factors have been identified. However, the Auchenrivock improvement will be included in our forthcoming review of future investment in outstanding route action plan schemes.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135467,"EventID":"S1O-01609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how widely it consulted before bringing forward its proposals on land reform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how widely it consulted before bringing forward its proposals on land reform.","AnswerText":"The land reform policy development process has been highly consultative, and our proposals have benefited as a result. The Partnership Government embraced recommendations by the Land Reform Policy Group. These were informed by very extensive consultation. The Executive's Land Reform White Paper of last July was distributed widely: 14,800 copies were issued, including copies to those who had commented previously; and 13 local seminars were held. Meetings with relevant representative bodies and individuals have also helped to inform our proposals. In early summer we plan to consult on our draft Land Reform Bill.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135468,"EventID":"S1O-01610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a re-examination of any planned improvements to the A76 in the light of the road's safety record.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a re-examination of any planned improvements to the A76 in the light of the road's safety record.","AnswerText":"The A76 Route Action Plan Study included a review of road safety. Three improvements costing £2.3 million are currently being prepared for construction.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135469,"EventID":"S1O-01617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans any additional measures to assist Grampian Police to deliver an improved service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans any additional measures to assist Grampian Police to deliver an improved service.","AnswerText":"In Making It Work Together: A Programme for Government the Executive sets out a number of initiatives that will help all police forces in Scotland to deliver an improved service.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135470,"EventID":"S1O-01618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that trade union members in Scotland can access similar learning opportunities to those available in England and Wales through the Tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that trade union members in Scotland can access similar learning opportunities to those available in England and Wales through the Trade Union Learning Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has agreed in principle to a Trade Union Learning Fund for Scotland; and also to the establishment of a Trade Union Working Party on Lifelong Learning to consider how trade unions can continue their valuable contribution to the development and implementation of lifelong learning initiatives. Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department officials are in discussion with the STUC about how these initiatives can best be taken forward in conjunction with the STUC's new Lifelong Learning Unit.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135471,"EventID":"S1O-01620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Communities last met CoSLA and what issues they discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Communities last met CoSLA and what issues they discussed.","AnswerText":"I last met with CoSLA's Social Affairs Forum on 2 March 2000 to discuss housing matters.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135472,"EventID":"S1O-01621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the initiatives outlined in the Partnership Agreement have been implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the initiatives outlined in the Partnership Agreement have been implemented.","AnswerText":"The Partnership Agreement, Partnership for Scotland, is a policy agreement between the Executive parties. The Programme for Government, published last September, turned that policy agreement into a programme of work for the Scottish Executive. The Executive is working to implement all of the commitments listed in Programme for Government are implemented. As we approach the first anniversary of the Partnership Agreement, I am pleased to say that 34 of the 37 commitments due to be in place by May 2000 have been delivered in full, with a further two delivered in part. We are abolishing feudal tenure. We have reformed the laws on the welfare and finances of adults with incapacity, Tuition fees for higher education have gone, and our schools and hospitals have record investment. We have much progress to celebrate one year on.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135473,"EventID":"S1O-01623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will widen the membership of the proposed Water Forum from members of the CBI to other representatives of Scotland's businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will widen the membership of the proposed Water Forum from members of the CBI to other representatives of Scotland's businesses.","AnswerText":"The CBI in Scotland has agreed to help the Executive organise a Water Forum for large volume users of water and wastewater services; but it is not my intention that membership of the forum should be limited to membership of the CBI.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135474,"EventID":"S1O-01628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons it has learned from the USA in relation to tackling drug abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons it has learned from the USA in relation to tackling drug abuse.","AnswerText":"During the Deputy Minister for Justice's recent visit to the United States of America he had the opportunity to see at first hand a range of policies and practices for tackling the problem of drug misuse. The Scottish Executive will be reflecting on the lessons learned and whether there are approaches adopted by the Americans which might be incorporated into our arrangements in Scotland in the months ahead.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135475,"EventID":"S1O-01632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1908,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":4,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors have contributed to the rise in Scottish manufacturing exports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors have contributed to the rise in Scottish manufacturing exports.","AnswerText":"The rise in Scottish manufacturing exports clearly demonstrates the ability and commitment of companies in Scotland to perform successfully in the world marketplace. In particular the 6.6% growth in real terms last year was achieved during particularly difficult global trading conditions. This increase was primarily driven by continued growth in the electronics industry, which is Scotland's largest export sector, and the chemicals sector. Exporters have also benefited from the Export Development Strategy for Scotland which provides a focused framework for the support provided by Scottish Trade International and the network of Local Export Partnerships.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135476,"EventID":"S1O-01633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the total expenditure on tackling drug misuse during the last financial year and what proportion of that budget was spent on (i) enforcement, (ii) treatment and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the total expenditure on tackling drug misuse during the last financial year and what proportion of that budget was spent on (i) enforcement, (ii) treatment and (iii) education.","AnswerText":"The directly attributable expenditure by the Scottish Executive on tackling drug misuse in 1999-2000 is estimated at £58.1 million, and generic spend at £85.4 million, resulting in a total of £143.5 million. The breakdown is estimated as 46% enforcement, 39% on treatment and rehabilitation and 15% on prevention/education. The findings of the current review of expenditure on drug misuse across the Executive will be published in due course. This is likely to identify further significant spend more widely attributable to action on combating drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135477,"EventID":"S1O-01635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have had CCTV installed as a result of the Dunblane tragedy and how many have not.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have had CCTV installed as a result of the Dunblane tragedy and how many have not.","AnswerText":"The installation of CCTV equipment is one of a range of measures which education authorities and schools may consider as a means of improving school security. Information on the security measures in place at individual schools is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135478,"EventID":"S1O-01637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to existing telecommunication masts, in the light of the Transport and the Environment Committee's report on the introduction ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to existing telecommunication masts, in the light of the Transport and the Environment Committee's report on the introduction of new planning procedures for telecommunication developments.","AnswerText":"I intend to write to the Convenor of the Transport and the Environment Committee with an interim response to the Committee's report before our debate on 11 May.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135479,"EventID":"S1O-01641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to provide protection to witnesses in cases of anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to provide protection to witnesses in cases of anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the need for witnesses in cases of anti-social behaviour to give evidence free from intimidation. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 made provision for applications for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and eviction for anti-social behaviour to be made on evidence obtained by police and local authorities witnesses, reducing the need for other witnesses to give evidence in court. We will shortly be producing an action plan following the consultation on the report Towards a Just Conclusion, which made recommendations about intimidated witnesses.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135480,"EventID":"S1O-01648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the progress of the evaluation of the Glasgow Airport rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the progress of the evaluation of the Glasgow Airport rail link.","AnswerText":"Railtrack and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive have been jointly assessing three options for providing a rail link to Glasgow Airport. Further consideration of the link awaits the completion of the DETR/Scottish Executive strategic study of transport links to Scottish Airports.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135481,"EventID":"S1O-01649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with the Scottish Tourist Board or local tourist boards the need to support and retain manned tourist information centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with the Scottish Tourist Board or local tourist boards the need to support and retain manned tourist information centres.","AnswerText":"No. Decisions about the provision of information are for Area Tourist Boards to take. They are in the best position to determine whether this should be through Tourist Information Centres or by some other method.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135482,"EventID":"S1O-01652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in support of relocating offshore-related civil service jobs to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in support of relocating offshore-related civil service jobs to Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive keeps in close touch with the Department of Trade and Industry as a range of issue affecting Scotland. There are well over 100 posts in the DTI's Oil and Gas Directorate offices in Glasgow and Aberdeen, and that number is set to increase.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135483,"EventID":"S1O-01658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent initiatives it has taken to encourage the dispersal of civil service jobs outwith the central belt axis of Edinburgh and Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent initiatives it has taken to encourage the dispersal of civil service jobs outwith the central belt axis of Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Executive's policy on location and relocation was fully set out by the First Minister in his answer of 15 September 1999 (S1W-1558, Mr Duncan McNeil MSP). The Executive's policy does not envisage any presumption against Glasgow or other central belt locations - except that there is a presumption against an Edinburgh location for new or re-organised units. Where a significant property break occurs for existing units, options outwith Edinburgh will be considered. Locations across Scotland will be considered on a case-by-case basis consistent with our objectives of efficiency and effectiveness. The Minister for Health and Community Care has of course already announced that the Executive arm of the new Food Standards Agency, comprising around 40-45 staff, will be located in Aberdeen.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135484,"EventID":"S1O-01660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce a water service charges benefit scheme aligned to the existing Council Tax Benefit Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce a water service charges benefit scheme aligned to the existing Council Tax Benefit Scheme.","AnswerText":"The current arrangements linking water and sewerage charges to council tax bands already provide substantial assistance to many less well-off households. 27% of all households in Scotland occupy Band A properties. These households pay only one third of the charge paid by those in Band H. Nevertheless, we recognise that affordability of water charges is an issue. That is why we are looking again at current arrangements. We shall consult widely on this before implementing any changes.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135485,"EventID":"S1O-01662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further encourage farmers to diversify into timber production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further encourage farmers to diversify into timber production.","AnswerText":"The Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme both offer incentives for farmers to diversify into timber production. Last year over 8,500 hectares were approved for planting under these schemes, more than in any previous year.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135486,"EventID":"S1O-01667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reconsider the planning guidelines for opencast mining operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reconsider the planning guidelines for opencast mining operations.","AnswerText":"The Executive is intending to consult shortly on proposals to introduce an assessment framework to ensure that dust emissions from opencast coal sites are kept within environmentally acceptable limits.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135487,"EventID":"S1O-01670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines are in place for local authorities in determining the criteria for rural schools closures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines are in place for local authorities in determining the criteria for rural schools closures.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not issue national guidelines on matters of school provision. In March 1998, the previous administration invited authorities to apply a test of proportionate advantage to any proposed closure of a rural school, to ensure that all factors are taken into account and that the educational and financial gains are weighed properly against any negative effects on the community. There are statutory consultation requirements which authorities must undertake where they propose to close a school. This ensures that there is a full opportunity for all relevant issues surrounding the proposed closure of a school to be aired and considered.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135488,"EventID":"S1O-01671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in multiple occupation will be licensed by the end of October this year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in multiple occupation will be licensed by the end of October this year.","AnswerText":"Our understanding is that local authorities have already licensed about 300 houses in multiple occupation under the existing arrangements for discretionary licensing schemes. On the assumption that the Parliament approves the Order which has been laid by the Scottish Executive to introduce mandatory licensing, it will be possible for local authorities to grant licenses under this Order from 1 October 2000. The number of houses in multiple occupation licensed by the end of October will depend on how quickly local authorities receive and process applications for licences.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135489,"EventID":"S1O-01673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the continued survival and health of the colony of bottle nosed dolphins in the Moray Firth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the continued survival and health of the colony of bottle nosed dolphins in the Moray Firth.","AnswerText":"The Moray Firth has been proposed to the European Commission as a candidate Special Area of Conservation for the dolphins. As part of that exercise a management scheme is under preparation by the Moray Firth Partnership to ensure that the conditions for a healthy population are maintained. Guidelines have been issued to minimise disturbance from dolphin-watching operations. In addition, Scottish Natural Heritage have been working with the oil industry to ensure that the impact of oil drilling in the area on the dolphins is minimised. Guidelines for dealing with cetaceans in the event of an oil spill have been produced. These issues and those of site monitoring will be taken forward in the SAC Management Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135490,"EventID":"S1O-01675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has held with youth organisations about the possible introduction of a voluntary identity card scheme for young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has held with youth organisations about the possible introduction of a voluntary identity card scheme for young people.","AnswerText":"Consultation with young people on a pilot to link the highly successful Young Scot card to the provision of local authority services will start this weekend. The proposed laminated card will carry the holder's name, photograph and date of birth.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135491,"EventID":"S1O-01678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future role of Caledonian MacBrayne will be in relation to the Gourock-Dunoon ferry route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future role of Caledonian MacBrayne will be in relation to the Gourock-Dunoon ferry route.","AnswerText":"On 27 April I announced the steps which the Scottish Executive will be taking to ensure that CalMac's services comply with EC law. This will involve the routes being put out to competitive tender. However, we will continue to subsidise the network and ensure fares and service levels are protected. I have published a consultation paper Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services - Meeting European Union Requirements which seeks views on a number of issues by the end of June. The document explains that, for the Gourock-Dunoon route, the Executive intends to make representations to the Commission for a passenger-only service. If we are successful, the CalMac route will be tendered. The Executive values highly CalMac's services and the company will be allowed to bid.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135492,"EventID":"S1O-01689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the unique nature of paediatric health services is taken into account when it considers the future of child health services in Glasgow an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the unique nature of paediatric health services is taken into account when it considers the future of child health services in Glasgow and in Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the unique nature of paediatric services. We have demonstrated that through the Chief Medical Officer's Acute Services Review. We expect local health services to act on those principles. Decisions affecting local communities are best taken by those who provide the services. In due course, I look forward to seeing firm proposals following Greater Glasgow Health Board's public consultation exercise on the future of acute services, including paediatric services, across the city.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135493,"EventID":"S1O-01693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase awareness of mental health difficulties amongst children in care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase awareness of mental health difficulties amongst children in care.","AnswerText":"Each child and young person looked after by a local authority must have a care plan that addresses all individual needs, including mental health needs. The Looking After Children materials which we launched in Scotland last year require a detailed assessment of the child's emotional and behavioural development at different ages and stages of their lives and prompt action to overcome any difficulties identified.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135494,"EventID":"S1O-01701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1570 by Susan Deacon on 27 April 2000, whether its policy is to further raise average life expectancies and to improve quality of l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1570 by Susan Deacon on 27 April 2000, whether its policy is to further raise average life expectancies and to improve quality of life through health education, the prevention of ill health and improvements in diets.","AnswerText":"Yes. The White Paper, Towards a Healthier Scotland, sets out the principal strategy being pursued by the Scottish Executive to achieve better health and life expectancy for all Scots. An additional £26 million, drawn from this year's budget increases in tobacco taxation are being allocated, exclusively, to taking forward the Executive's health improvement agenda in 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135495,"EventID":"S1O-01704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its decision concerning the outstanding planning application for the Lingerbay Quarry on the Isle of Harris.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its decision concerning the outstanding planning application for the Lingerbay Quarry on the Isle of Harris.","AnswerText":"This is a very technical and complex case and sufficient time will be required to give full and proper consideration to the report of the public local inquiry. The conclusions of the Scottish Executive will, however, be made known to parties as soon as is reasonably practicable.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135496,"EventID":"S1O-01706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet the management and workforce of Kvaerner Methil to discuss the future of the yard.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet the management and workforce of Kvaerner Methil to discuss the future of the yard.","AnswerText":"I am due to meet Kvaerner's Executive Vice President, Jan Jorgensen soon to discuss the future of the Methil fabrication yard. In the meantime the Executive is working closely with the fabrication sector throughout Scotland, including Kvaerner at Methil, as it responds to the dramatic changes in the market for large offshore structures.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135497,"EventID":"S1O-01709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has in place or is preparing in the event of Glasgow City Council tenants voting against the proposed housing stock transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has in place or is preparing in the event of Glasgow City Council tenants voting against the proposed housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote against a transfer proposal, resources will continue to be made available for capital investment in Glasgow's council housing. However, this would not allow all tenants to enjoy the benefits offered by transfer to community ownership, which include some £1,600 million of housing investment.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135498,"EventID":"S1O-01710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the report commissioned by West Lothian Council into the re-opening of the rail link between Bathgate and Airdrie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the report commissioned by West Lothian Council into the re-opening of the rail link between Bathgate and Airdrie.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received a copy of the report. It provides insufficient grounds for a serious consideration of re-opening the line.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135499,"EventID":"S1O-01715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to re-examine the guidance it offers local authorities regarding the issue of deferred entry to primary school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to re-examine the guidance it offers local authorities regarding the issue of deferred entry to primary school.","AnswerText":"There is no central guidance on deferred entry although we have established a short-term working group to consider the matter further.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135500,"EventID":"S1O-01717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it now has to promote the re-establishment of the Borders railway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it now has to promote the re-establishment of the Borders railway.","AnswerText":"A working group of the key stakeholders, led by Scottish Borders Council, has been established to consider how best to take forward the conclusions of the Scottish Borders Railway Feasibility Study.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135501,"EventID":"S1O-01718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to retain the current status of very sheltered housing as housing provision, placing it outside the proposed framework for the regulation of care and s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to retain the current status of very sheltered housing as housing provision, placing it outside the proposed framework for the regulation of care and social services.","AnswerText":"We do not intend that sheltered housing should be regulated as residential care. But we do intend that the home care services provided to people living in very sheltered housing will be regulated. We consulted recently on how best this can be accomplished, and will publish our proposals soon.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135502,"EventID":"S1O-01722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to address any under-achievement of teenage boys in Scottish schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to take to address any under-achievement of teenage boys in Scottish schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-5762.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135503,"EventID":"S1O-01724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase expenditure on tackling fuel poverty following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent announcements of higher public expenditure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase expenditure on tackling fuel poverty following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent announcements of higher public expenditure.","AnswerText":"The Chancellor's announcement referred to spending plans for health, education, justice and transport. However the Executive has raised this year's budget for the Warm Deal to £13 million, £1 million more than last year. About £210 million will also be spent on improving and repairing local authority stock and we plan to spend £214 million on New Housing Partnerships. These substantial resources, together with the new Winter Fuel Payment of £150, will make a real impact on fuel poverty in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135504,"EventID":"S1O-01732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the capital expenditure on school buildings in each of the last four years and how this expenditure compares to expenditure on information technolo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the capital expenditure on school buildings in each of the last four years and how this expenditure compares to expenditure on information technology in schools in each of the past four years.","AnswerText":"Local authority capital expenditure on education is given in the table below. Information about expenditure on information technology is not identified separately in the returns from which the information is derived. Local authority capital expenditure on education Gross Capital Payments £000 1996-97 121,734 1997-98 124,342 1998-99 166,546 1999-00 154,292 Notes: 1. As reported by authorities on the statistical return Capital Payments and their Financing (CPR 5) for financial years 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 and CPR Fin 3D Forecast return for 1999-2000. 2. Total Education capital payments include acquisition of land, leases, existing buildings or works; expenditure on new construction (including improvements to existing buildings and dwellings) and the purchase and sale of vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment. 3. Gross capital payments are payments both funded and not funded from revenue.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135505,"EventID":"S1O-01733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set for the implementation of Agenda 21 strategies by local authorities and how the progress of such strategies is being monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set for the implementation of Agenda 21 strategies by local authorities and how the progress of such strategies is being monitored.","AnswerText":"In June 1997, at the UN General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister challenged every local authority to have a Local Agenda 21 strategy by the end of the year 2000. LA 21 was established at the Rio Summit in 1992 as a programme for local authorities. Setting LA21 targets therefore is a matter for each council. Scottish councils are making a strong effort to meet the Prime Minister's challenge. A survey by CoSLA in February 2000 showed that 26 councils intend to adopt a strategy by December, and two have already so done. The others are at varying stages of development. Monitoring is carried out by CoSLA and the Scottish Executive provides £60,000 per year to fund a LA21 adviser at CoSLA.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135506,"EventID":"S1O-01738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the unemployment rate in Glasgow compares to the rates in other Scottish cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the unemployment rate in Glasgow compares to the rates in other Scottish cities.","AnswerText":"The unemployment rate in Glasgow, using the internationally standard ILO measure, was 13.5% in 1998. This compares to 8.5% in Dundee, 6.0% in Edinburgh, and 3.4% in Aberdeen.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135507,"EventID":"S1O-01744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its policy towards rural schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its policy towards rural schools.","AnswerText":"All our policies for schools are directed towards ensuring that all children in rural areas benefit from school provision of the highest quality.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135508,"EventID":"S1O-01748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage and support parents in introducing infants and their children to books and reading.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage and support parents in introducing infants and their children to books and reading.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive fully recognises the crucial role parents can play in cultivating their children's skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for books and reading. At the pre-school stage, the Framework for Curriculum 3-5 encourages parents to assist in their children's learning through play by participating in sessions at their child's pre-school centre or helping with their learning at home. The Scottish Executive's Early Intervention Programme to raise standards of literacy and numeracy in the early years of primary school also assists local authorities to involve parents in developing their children's abilities in reading and other literacy skills.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135509,"EventID":"S1O-01749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to promote a positive approach among children and young people towards public transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to promote a positive approach among children and young people towards public transport.","AnswerText":"The Safer Routes to School initiative is already doing much to encourage children to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to school. There are currently 89 schemes in Scotland. We intend to develop and extend the initiative further as part of our integrated transport policy.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135510,"EventID":"S1O-01751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate public concerns about public consultation on Paterson's toxic waste landfill site in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate public concerns about public consultation on Paterson's toxic waste landfill site in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has recently carried out consultation about the proposed modification to licence conditions for Paterson's landfill site with statutory consultees, local community councils and members of the public who have shown concern. Licensing is a regulatory matter and is therefore for SEPA. As Scottish Ministers could become involved at a later stage, should an appeal be lodged about the licence conditions, it is not appropriate for me to comment on the details.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135511,"EventID":"S1O-01752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement it gives to local authorities to follow best practice in relation to general management and personnel issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement it gives to local authorities to follow best practice in relation to general management and personnel issues.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are independent corporate bodies. It is entirely for them to determine what arrangements, within the law, are best suited to their needs in carrying out their functions.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135512,"EventID":"S1O-01753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency will play in the policing of Regulated Fishing Orders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency will play in the policing of Regulated Fishing Orders.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for enforcement of any controls or conditions of a Regulating Order rests with the grantee of the Order. The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency has no role in such Orders, although it is ready to offer advice on any proposals relating to the grantee's enforcement role.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135513,"EventID":"S1O-01757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to bring the Scottish Police Service under the remit of the proposed Freedom of Information Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to bring the Scottish Police Service under the remit of the proposed Freedom of Information Bill.","AnswerText":"The consultation document An Open Scotland, published in November 1999, set out the Executive's view that the police and police authorities in Scotland should be covered by the Scottish freedom of information legislation. This would be in respect of all their activities, both operational and administrative, subject to a number of exemptions protecting sensitive information, in particular information relating to criminal investigations. Currently we are analysing the responses to the consultation exercise and, in relation to coverage of the police, will bring forward detailed proposals in due course.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135514,"EventID":"S1O-01763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Kvaerner Energy Working Group has met and what the dates of those meetings were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Kvaerner Energy Working Group has met and what the dates of those meetings were.","AnswerText":"The Kvaerner Energy Working Group has met five times so far. It first met on 8 September 1999, and subsequently on 5 November, 11 November, 10 January and 14 April. Prior to 8 September, the Kvaerner Task Force, established in April 1999, had responsibility for assisting in the sale of the three facilities in Scotland which Kvaerner plc wanted to sell, including Kvaerner Energy.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135515,"EventID":"S1O-01765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government, Glasgow City Council or the Scottish Football Association about the possibility of Mike Tyson fightin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government, Glasgow City Council or the Scottish Football Association about the possibility of Mike Tyson fighting in Glasgow this year.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Justice conveyed to Home Office Ministers the strong feeling in Scotland that Mike Tyson should not be granted entry clearance for the purpose of the boxing match planned for Glasgow next month. The Minister for Children and Education conveyed a similar view to the Scottish Football Association, recognising that the management of Hampden Stadium is a matter for the SFA. No views were conveyed to the City of Glasgow Council.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135516,"EventID":"S1O-01766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its strategy for dealing with economic difficulties faced by rural communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its strategy for dealing with economic difficulties faced by rural communities.","AnswerText":"Rural Scotland; A New Approach, which was published earlier this week, sets out the Scottish Executive's commitment to supporting rural economic development, building on rural Scotland's strengths, as well as tackling the problems and barriers which can hinder economic development in rural areas. The Scottish Executive, together with a wide range of public and private sector organisations and agencies, is committed to supporting a number of different initiatives aimed at promoting economic development in rural areas. The variety of these different initiatives reflects the diverse characteristics of rural areas and the diversity of the rural economy.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135517,"EventID":"S1O-01767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with poverty groups regarding the increases in water charges and initiatives to counter any effect on people in poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with poverty groups regarding the increases in water charges and initiatives to counter any effect on people in poverty.","AnswerText":"In taking forward the review of the protection provided to low income households by the current water charging arrangements, my officials are seeking preliminary comments from those with particular knowledge of this subject, including poverty groups, with the possibility of follow-up meetings. This will be followed by a full public consultation exercise over the summer.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135518,"EventID":"S1O-01769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of any current diversion from prosecution schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of any current diversion from prosecution schemes.","AnswerText":"The Justice Department currently funds pilot diversion from prosecution schemes in 18 local authorities. These include a range of general social work diversion schemes, substance misuse schemes and mediation and reparation schemes. They are principally directed towards the needs of drug and alcohol misusers and mentally disordered, young and women accused where the offence is not of a serious nature.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135519,"EventID":"S1O-01773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide incentives for homeowners and developers to install solar heating mechanisms in homes and whether there is any evidence that the present upfro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide incentives for homeowners and developers to install solar heating mechanisms in homes and whether there is any evidence that the present upfront costs are a disincentive.","AnswerText":"There are no plans for such incentives. It is for householders and landlords to decide on the heating systems they use. The cost of the mechanisms may discourage some investment but the reason may equally lie in the technical limitations of current systems. Demand may rise as these limitations are overcome.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135520,"EventID":"S1O-01785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the loss of assisted area status to Arbroath will have on the local economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the loss of assisted area status to Arbroath will have on the local economy.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter. The Scottish Executive does not make economic or employment forecasts for local areas in relation to the Assisted Areas map. However, I recognise that there are concerns in Arbroath, and in other areas, about the revised Assisted Areas map proposals. Only this morning I met a delegation from Arbroath, to hear at first hand of these concerns. The Executive's policy on location and relocation of civil service jobs remains as set out by the First Minister in his answer of 15 September 1999 (S1W-1558, Duncan McNeil MSP). When opportunities arise potential locations across Scotland will be considered on a case-by-case basis consistent with our objectives of efficiency and effectiveness.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135523,"EventID":"S1O-01798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle patterns of persistent offending among young people in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle patterns of persistent offending among young people in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been considering how best to deal with persistent young offenders and will make an announcement shortly. We have supported a number of pilot projects which address the problems and behaviour of persistent young offenders.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135524,"EventID":"S1O-01800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address the issue of volatile substance abuse in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address the issue of volatile substance abuse in Scotland.","AnswerText":"At a national level our main efforts concentrate on health education and raising awareness through the efforts of the Health Education Board for Scotland. Current policy focuses on preventing volatile substance abuse through the education of young people, professionals and retailers and, where practicable, restricting the sales of solvent based products. At a local level, Drug Action Teams are expected to give due attention to volatile substance abuse issues when drawing up their strategic plans.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135525,"EventID":"S1O-01801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health boards are currently, or are considering, consulting with their communities on the future shape of NHS services in their area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health boards are currently, or are considering, consulting with their communities on the future shape of NHS services in their area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive would expect health boards to be involved in a process of ongoing dialogue with local communities and, where appropriate, specific groups with regards to the design and delivery of services. A number of large-scale formal consultation exercises are currently taking place across the country with regards to health board proposals for major service changes and development.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135526,"EventID":"S1O-01805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce unemployment in North Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce unemployment in North Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is very conscious of the particular problems of areas such as North 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.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135527,"EventID":"S1O-01809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prioritise youth work in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to prioritise youth work in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Youth work in the statutory and voluntary sectors already makes a major contribution to the personal and social development of many young people across Scotland. We believe it has the potential to do more. I expect to make a statement about this once we have completed our evaluation of Community Learning Strategies.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135528,"EventID":"S1O-01813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any implications for the financial sector if the demutualisation of Standard Life goes ahead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any implications for the financial sector if the demutualisation of Standard Life goes ahead.","AnswerText":"The Special General Meeting being held by Standard Life on 27 June 2000 will include a vote on the company's mutual status. The issue of demutualisation is a matter for the members and the board of Standard Life and the Executive does not therefore wish to anticipate the outcome of the vote. However, as Standard Life is a major Scottish employer, the Executive will continue to monitor developments.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135529,"EventID":"S1O-01816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the possible remit of Scottish Drugs Courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the possible remit of Scottish Drugs Courts.","AnswerText":"There is no doubt that there are important lessons to be learnt from the whole range of policies and practices adopted in other countries in response to the problem of drug related crime. The Scottish Executive is exploring how we might incorporate the most effective of them into our own judicial system.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135530,"EventID":"S1O-01819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the development of electronic prescribing of medicines has reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the development of electronic prescribing of medicines has reached.","AnswerText":"A major project on the electronic transmission of prescriptions is being taken forward as part of the Scottish Care Information (SCI) programme which was announced on 21 April. The next key step will be to establish a proving site, which will test out the connections required between General Practice, community pharmacy and the Common Services Agency.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135531,"EventID":"S1O-01824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure the survival of the papermaking industry in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure the survival of the papermaking industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the Enterprise Network offer a wide range of schemes and initiatives to help companies address particular issues affecting their competitiveness. Scottish Enterprise is currently in discussion with the paper and timber industries in Scotland about the scope for a cluster-based strategy for the sector.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135532,"EventID":"S1O-01826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on any further progress on the multi-modal study into the completion of the M8.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on any further progress on the multi-modal study into the completion of the M8.","AnswerText":"The consultants have held a series of Focus Groups and individual in-depth interviews in West Central Scotland and a Consultative Forum in Cumbernauld. The forum was well attended and provided the opportunity for comment on the range of problems and possible solutions, the scope of the study and the study objectives. A further Consultative Forum is planned before the end of June. We expect the consultant's report on the preliminary stage of the study around the end of July.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135533,"EventID":"S1O-01829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish a consultation paper on alcohol misuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish a consultation paper on alcohol misuse.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Advisory Committee on Alcohol Misuse is currently developing a national strategy and is involving those in the alcohol field in this process, consulting as appropriate over the next 18 months or so. This will culminate in a draft strategy on which we propose to consult widely.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135534,"EventID":"S1O-01836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to local drugs forums to tackle the problem of drugs in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to local drugs forums to tackle the problem of drugs in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides over £1 million in total to Drug Action Teams in Scotland, to support implementation of the national strategy Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership. It is for Drug Action Teams to decide how these resources are spent, including the level of support for individual drug forums.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135535,"EventID":"S1O-01843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine any difficulties experienced by voluntary organisations in relation to \"matched funding\" and, in particular, those faced by Central Rape Crisis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine any difficulties experienced by voluntary organisations in relation to \"matched funding\" and, in particular, those faced by Central Rape Crisis.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to developing a stable funding environment for the voluntary sector. Matched funding, which can be in cash or in kind, can strengthen the impact of the work of a voluntary organisation in a number of ways in addition to the financial benefit. It can, for example, ensure a local stake in a group or project, or promote partnerships. Central Rape Crisis has been granted £12,800 from the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund with matched funding coming from Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135536,"EventID":"S1O-01845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with The Scotland Office regarding the reinstatement of the four Angus wards excluded from the revised Assisted Area proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with The Scotland Office regarding the reinstatement of the four Angus wards excluded from the revised Assisted Area proposals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive maintains regular contact with The Scotland Office on a range of matters affecting the development of the Scottish economy, including the proposals for a new Assisted Areas map.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135537,"EventID":"S1O-01846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to promote equality of opportunity in the fields of education, lifelong learning and economic development in order to address gender divisions in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to promote equality of opportunity in the fields of education, lifelong learning and economic development in order to address gender divisions in the labour market.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working together with Her Majesty’s Government to break down the old barriers to equality in education, lifelong learning and economic development. We are committed to the promotion of opportunity for all of our people all of the time. Women in Scotland, in particular, will benefit from initiatives including the Scottish University for Industry and Individual Learning Accounts.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135538,"EventID":"S1O-01852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Working for Communities programme is making in the 13 pathfinder areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Working for Communities programme is making in the 13 pathfinder areas.","AnswerText":"All Pathfinders are now up and running helping to develop new ways of involving local people in setting priorities for their areas and bringing services more in line with the needs of local people. A Monitoring Framework is now in place to help us learn lessons from Pathfinders' experience and Pathfinders' first Annual reports will be published in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135539,"EventID":"S1O-01854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve road safety for children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve road safety for children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the UK Government recently announced targets for road accident casualty reductions in the period to 2010. These include a 50% reduction in the number of child fatal and serious casualties. The targets, together with a strategy for achieving them, were published on 1 March.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135540,"EventID":"S1O-01855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits Joint Ministerial Committees bring to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits Joint Ministerial Committees bring to Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Committees help the Scottish Executive and the UK Government work together to ensure that their respective policies and programmes operate coherently and effectively for the benefit of people in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135541,"EventID":"S1O-01859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it sees for Historic Scotland in the development of a strategic approach to culture and the built heritage at a national and local level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it sees for Historic Scotland in the development of a strategic approach to culture and the built heritage at a national and local level.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland is the agency of the Scottish Executive which has responsibility for the built heritage. As such, it is playing a full part in the development of the national cultural strategy.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135542,"EventID":"S1O-01862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it anticipates the recently announced additional resources for the National Health Service will have on delayed discharges from hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it anticipates the recently announced additional resources for the National Health Service will have on delayed discharges from hospitals.","AnswerText":"I expect a positive impact in those cases where finance is a factor contributing to the delayed discharge.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135543,"EventID":"S1O-01867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in achieving a \"Joined up Government\" approach to the granting of permission for road signs, given the implications for tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in achieving a \"Joined up Government\" approach to the granting of permission for road signs, given the implications for tourism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Tourist Board (STB) is the first port of call for all tourist related signage applications. Thereafter, the Scottish Executive Road Network Management and Maintenance Division assesses the road safety issues in line with the Trunk Road and Motorway Tourist Signposting Policy which was developed following extensive consultation with interested parties including the STB.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135544,"EventID":"S1O-01869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2943 by Susan Deacon on 17 December 1999, whether it now has any plans to provide a dedicated brain injury rehabilitation unit for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2943 by Susan Deacon on 17 December 1999, whether it now has any plans to provide a dedicated brain injury rehabilitation unit for children and teenagers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I expect to receive the report of the Neurosurgery Working Group, with their advice on this issue, shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135545,"EventID":"S1O-01874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the NHS Management Executive to co-ordinate the planning and funding of menta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the NHS Management Executive to co-ordinate the planning and funding of mental health strategies.","AnswerText":"The leaders and chief officers of local authorities, health boards and NHS Trusts attended a seminar led by the Minister for Health and myself in November at which joint working and the effective delivery of services for all community care client groups, including people with mental health problems, was discussed. That has led to the setting up of the Joint Future Group, which I chair. It consists of NHS and CoSLA representatives.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135546,"EventID":"S1O-01880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement of 30 May 2000 regarding the resurfacing of the main runway at Wick Airport, what plans it has to improve the condition of the cross runway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement of 30 May 2000 regarding the resurfacing of the main runway at Wick Airport, what plans it has to improve the condition of the cross runway.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), which operates Wick Airport, will consider the case to rehabilitate the cross runway at Wick Airport against the competing expenditure priorities at all the company's 10 airports.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135547,"EventID":"S1O-01881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reduce the number of stations on the Perth to Inverness railway line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reduce the number of stations on the Perth to Inverness railway line.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135548,"EventID":"S1O-01882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the National Heritage Lottery Fund with regard to support for Scottish museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the National Heritage Lottery Fund with regard to support for Scottish museums.","AnswerText":"None. The allocation of National Lottery funds is a matter for the distributing bodies themselves.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135549,"EventID":"S1O-01887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to target investment in skills and lifelong learning to the job vacancies that currently exist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to target investment in skills and lifelong learning to the job vacancies that currently exist.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive fully appreciates the need to articulate learning, training and skills development with opportunities for employment. Our Programme for Government has been designed to create the conditions for a lifelong learning culture; and also to ensure that education and training provision is relevant to the needs of employers and employees. Learndirect Scotland and the new Scottish Labour Market Intelligence Unit will have crucial roles to play in predicting the needs of the labour market and in matching these needs to relevant provision.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135550,"EventID":"S1O-01888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how effective the New Deal has been in providing jobs for young unemployed people in North Ayrshire and in Scotland in general.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how effective the New Deal has been in providing jobs for young unemployed people in North Ayrshire and in Scotland in general.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which therefore takes the lead on the funding and delivery of 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 in this way, fall within the remit of the Scottish Executive. The table below shows the relevant figures (up to March 2000) for young people gaining jobs since the New Deal began in April 1998. Numbers into Unsubsidised Jobs Numbers into Subsidised Jobs Total Into Jobs Cunninghame North 411 62 473 Cunninghame South 434 92 526 North Ayrshire 845 154 999 Scotland 20,900 3,340 24,240 But meanwhile a summary of action already underway to deliver on our Social Justice targets and milestones will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135552,"EventID":"S1O-01891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the percentage of pensioners who received council tax benefit in the last year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the percentage of pensioners who received council tax benefit in the last year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Social security benefits including housing and council tax benefits are reserved matters and are the responsibility of the DSS.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135553,"EventID":"S1O-01898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to enable those from disadvantaged areas to gain entry to higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to enable those from disadvantaged areas to gain entry to higher education.","AnswerText":"Measures such as the £50 million student support package recently announced, fee waivers and loans for the most disadvantaged part-time students and the funding of an additional 2,000 places in higher education institutions by 2002 should provide real help to those from disadvantaged areas. Also, I have charged the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to work with institutions to examine their performance in recruiting from areas currently under represented in higher education.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135554,"EventID":"S1O-01899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are being made available to assist agencies in identifying the cause of the recent deaths of heroin users in Glasgow and Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are being made available to assist agencies in identifying the cause of the recent deaths of heroin users in Glasgow and Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Glasgow and Aberdeenshire DATs and health boards are currently carrying out an investigation into the cause of the recent deaths. They are liaising with each other, as well as with voluntary groups and experts from the medical professions from around the world on this issue. Extra funding to assist the investigations has not been requested, and the Scottish Executive has no plans to make funding available specifically for this purpose. The Scottish Executive is being provided with daily updates on the investigation of this issue.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135555,"EventID":"S1O-01902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its policies for tackling racism in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline its policies for tackling racism in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to tackling racism and promoting race equality. We are doing this in partnership with Scotland's ethnic minority communities. Our forthcoming equality strategy will be informed by dialogue with the communities and input from the Race Equality Advisory Forum and the Lawrence Action Plan Steering Group which we have set up.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135556,"EventID":"S1O-01904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to abolish \"ransom strips\" in the forthcoming Land Reform Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to abolish \"ransom strips\" in the forthcoming Land Reform Bill.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135557,"EventID":"S1O-01907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Regional Selective Assistance boundaries will be finalised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Regional Selective Assistance boundaries will be finalised.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter. I understand that agreement has not yet been reached between the UK Government and the European Commission on a revised Assisted Areas map.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135558,"EventID":"S1O-01908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress it has made in implementing the Carers' Strategy for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress it has made in implementing the Carers' Strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have been working closely with carers' organisations and local authority representatives on implementing key measures set out in the strategy. Authorities now have their share of the £10 million ear-marked under the strategy for carers' services, including respite care. Monitoring arrangements, notified to authorities on 27 April, will ensure that these resources are used appropriately. The Carers' Legislation Working Group is currently considering new legislative proposals to better address carers' needs. These proposals will be issued for public consultation later this year. A three-week national media campaign to alert carers to the strategy and the NHS Helpline as a source of advice and support was launched on 28 April. From 1 April the helpline has been able to provide information and advice to carers on a range of issues, including access to local support groups, short-break services and financial assistance. Adverts appeared in national daily, evening and Sunday papers and on all local radio stations across Scotland. Information packs for young carers have from the end of last month, been made available to all primary, secondary and independent schools, providing useful contact numbers, advice on rights to services and details of young carer support projects throughout Scotland. Finally, national voluntary sector organisations which support carers have been invited to bid for a share of £200,000 this year to help them with their work in implementing the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135559,"EventID":"S1O-01911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic benefit will accrue from the opening of the Millennium Canal Link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic benefit will accrue from the opening of the Millennium Canal Link.","AnswerText":"Economic and environmental benefits will accrue from this exciting and innovative project. We expect an increase in income from tourism, the creation of new jobs and a regeneration of urban areas along the canal's length.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135560,"EventID":"S1O-01912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to withdraw the statement on investment in the water industry contained on page 40 of Rural Scotland: A New Approach.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to withdraw the statement on investment in the water industry contained on page 40 of Rural Scotland: A New Approach.","AnswerText":"No, the Scottish Executive does not plan to withdraw this statement as it states accurately our commitment to investment in water and sewerage services, including those in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135561,"EventID":"S1O-01917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it intends to do to support the work of the Scottish Council for Research in Education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it intends to do to support the work of the Scottish Council for Research in Education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive have agreed a service level agreement with the Scottish Council for Research in Education for research and related services on behalf of the Executive until 31 March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135562,"EventID":"S1O-01924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had regarding the impact of the proposed climate change levy in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had regarding the impact of the proposed climate change levy in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Climate Change Levy is a reserved matter. The Scottish Executive is engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the private and public sectors and has conveyed concerns, expressed by these sectors about the levy's impact in Scotland, to HM Government.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135563,"EventID":"S1O-01929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to ensure that the Board of Caledonian MacBrayne accurately reflects the communities that it serves.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to ensure that the Board of Caledonian MacBrayne accurately reflects the communities that it serves.","AnswerText":"Up to two vacancies in respect of Non-Executive Directors of Caledonian MacBrayne were advertised earlier this year. The criteria for the posts include one, categorised as highly desirable, relating to an interest in, or local knowledge, of Highlands and Islands issues. Candidates for the current vacancies are being assessed against this and the other criteria for the post(s). An announcement on the outcome of the recruitment process will be made soon.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135564,"EventID":"S1O-01932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Department of Social Security Ministers in relation to benefit adjustments to match the increases in water charges in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Department of Social Security Ministers in relation to benefit adjustments to match the increases in water charges in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in discussion with Whitehall Departments on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135565,"EventID":"S1O-01935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it intends to take regarding women who have received soya breast implants and are now perceived to be at risk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it intends to take regarding women who have received soya breast implants and are now perceived to be at risk.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-7723.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135566,"EventID":"S1O-01937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the progress of the new Higher Still exams and any teachers' concerns about them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the progress of the new Higher Still exams and any teachers' concerns about them.","AnswerText":"Officials regularly meet with the Scottish Qualifications Authority to discuss Higher Still and examination issues generally. The new exams and their results will be included in the review of the first year of Higher Still implementation.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135567,"EventID":"S1O-01940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its view is on the proposed closure of St. Vigeans Primary School, Arbroath, by Angus Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its view is on the proposed closure of St. Vigeans Primary School, Arbroath, by Angus Council.","AnswerText":"At this stage, this possible closure is a matter for Angus Council and it would not be right for Ministers to express a view on a school closure proposal on which an authority is consulting.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135568,"EventID":"S1O-01943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the requirements of asylum seekers placed with local authorities in Scotland will have for the housing stock transfer proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the requirements of asylum seekers placed with local authorities in Scotland will have for the housing stock transfer proposals.","AnswerText":"Arrangements to accommodate asylum seekers should have no adverse implications for housing stock transfer proposals. Following a transfer, it will be open to the National Asylum Support Service to arrange accommodation with Registered Social Landlords or other housing providers in an area.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135569,"EventID":"S1O-01950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to develop cultural tourism in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to develop cultural tourism in Scotland.","AnswerText":"My colleague, the Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport, will shortly convene a group which will develop a new cultural tourism strategy.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135570,"EventID":"S1O-01953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give additional funding to branches of the Citi'ens' Advice Bureau.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give additional funding to branches of the Citi'ens' Advice Bureau.","AnswerText":"Decisions on support funding for Citizen's Advice Bureaux are for local authorities to make in light of their assessment of local needs and priorities.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135571,"EventID":"S1O-01958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policies are on the promotion of road safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policies are on the promotion of road safety.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the UK Government recently announced targets for road accident casualty reductions in the period to 2010. The targets, together with a strategy for achieving them, were published on 1 March in the document Tomorrow's Roads - Safer for Everyone. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135572,"EventID":"S1O-01961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce licensing under section 44 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 of body piercers or premises which are engaged in tattooing, piercing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce licensing under section 44 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 of body piercers or premises which are engaged in tattooing, piercing and modification procedures.","AnswerText":"I refer to my answer to question S1W-6880.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135573,"EventID":"S1O-01962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to assist Buchan and the wider economy in the North East of Scotland in the light of recent decisions such as the downgrading of RAF Buchan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to assist Buchan and the wider economy in the North East of Scotland in the light of recent decisions such as the downgrading of RAF Buchan.","AnswerText":"We take very seriously the need to respond positively in the face of the decision to commence a rundown of activity at RAF Buchan, which is due to take place over the next four years. We will be working closely with Scottish Enterprise Grampian and the Aberdeenshire Council in identifying measures which can respond to the rundown and in helping the local community deal with the economic impact of the decision.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135574,"EventID":"S1O-01969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Transport and the Environment last visited Moffat and what road issues she discussed with local residents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Transport and the Environment last visited Moffat and what road issues she discussed with local residents.","AnswerText":"I last visited Moffat on 10 June when I attended the first meeting of the Southern Upland Partnership. In the margins of that meeting I had a number of informal discussions with local residents on roads issues and have agreed that my officials should meet locals to discuss the issue of tourist signing for Moffat.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135575,"EventID":"S1O-01970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to Scotland's textile industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to Scotland's textile industry.","AnswerText":"At the first meeting of the Scottish Textile Forum on 12 June, I announced a package of support for the textile sector, full details of which are in a Scottish Executive press release. In summary, the support package includes the launch of four Champions for the textile industry to help promote the industry; plans for developing labelling initiatives; help for exporters as a priority sector; commissioning consultancy advice; reorganising Scottish Enterprise responsibilities to ensure better co-ordination of network support; financial support for retraining of redundant textile workers; proposed revision of the Assisted Areas map to support areas hit by textile redundancies; support for improving the image of the textile sector; and ensuring that the views of sector on important issues are fully and forcefully represented to UK and EU Governments. The Forum meetings, which I shall chair, will help the Scottish Executive develop further measures to support the sector. All these support measures will be in addition to those announced on 6 June by the Government on a UK basis, in response to the report by the Textile and Clothing Strategy Group, and to the wide range of support provided to companies on a non-sectoral basis by the Executive and its agencies.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135576,"EventID":"S1O-01974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a cull ewe scheme in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a cull ewe scheme in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to put forward a scheme this year. The clear advice from the European Commission to the proposed cull ewe scheme, which the Scottish Executive put forward last year, was that gaining approval for the scheme would prove very difficult indeed.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135577,"EventID":"S1O-01987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the recommendations of the inquiry into the Ayr United stadium planning application and whether it will give an assurance that it will publish its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the recommendations of the inquiry into the Ayr United stadium planning application and whether it will give an assurance that it will publish its verdict quickly.","AnswerText":"The report of the public local inquiry has not yet been submitted to the Scottish Ministers. When it is received, every effort will be made to issue a decision at the earliest possible opportunity.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135578,"EventID":"S1O-01988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place governing the sale of offensive weapons including replica swords, daggers and axes, either through retail outlets or through mail order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place governing the sale of offensive weapons including replica swords, daggers and axes, either through retail outlets or through mail order.","AnswerText":"The sale of any knife, knife blade, other article with a blade or which is sharply pointed, or axe, to a person under the age of 16 is prohibited. In addition it is an offence to market a knife in a way which suggests that it is suitable for combat or is likely to stimulate or encourage violent behaviour. There is a ban on the manufacture, sale and importation of a number of other bladed, pointed and other offensive weapons.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135579,"EventID":"S1O-01992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect the current level of investment in specialist services provided by Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect the current level of investment in specialist services provided by Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"Investment in the specialist services provided by Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust is a local issue and as such is a matter for the health board and Trust.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135580,"EventID":"S1O-01993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its regulations for early education and childcare have the flexibility to permit local areas to meet their differing needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its regulations for early education and childcare have the flexibility to permit local areas to meet their differing needs.","AnswerText":"We intend that in future a new Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care will regulate services. The aim is to ensure quality of provision and consistent requirements on providers of similar services across different parts of Scotland. All providers will be required to meet standards appropriate to their service and will, of course, be able to exceed any minimum requirements.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135581,"EventID":"S1O-01994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing a network of Healthy Living Centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing a network of Healthy Living Centres.","AnswerText":"The Healthy Living Centre initiative, worth £34.5 million in Scotland, has a December deadline for first stage applications. At the start of June, 51 Scottish applications had been submitted and, of these, 23 had already passed to the second stage of the application process. The New Opportunities Fund expect to announce the first successful HLCs later this year.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135582,"EventID":"S1O-01995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Knowledge Economy Task Force to report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Knowledge Economy Task Force to report.","AnswerText":"The Knowledge Economy Task Force is expected to finalise its report by August of this year, following which I will consult with Cabinet colleagues.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135583,"EventID":"S1O-01998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is undertaking any initiatives on smoking aimed at primary school-age children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is undertaking any initiatives on smoking aimed at primary school-age children.","AnswerText":"Advice provided by the Scottish Executive gives health education, including about tobacco and smoking, a secure place within the curriculum and seeks to ensure that it is provided in all schools.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135584,"EventID":"S1O-02004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the issue of speeding vehicles in built-up areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the issue of speeding vehicles in built-up areas.","AnswerText":"Speeding issues are addressed in the road safety strategy published on 1 March. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The enforcement of speed limits is a matter for the police.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135585,"EventID":"S1O-02005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the local labour market has the necessary skills base to benefit from any increase in jobs in construction projects generated by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the local labour market has the necessary skills base to benefit from any increase in jobs in construction projects generated by both the Public/Private Partnership programme in Glasgow's schools and the proposed housing stock transfer in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise Glasgow are addressing this issue in order to maximise the employment and training benefits of these projects. Scottish Enterprise Glasgow are taking a proactive approach to the funding of training in the construction related trades. The council is committed to providing 1,000 construction-based accredited training places in the current financial year and are working with employers and S4 pupils to encourage uptake of training in the construction industry.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135586,"EventID":"S1O-02010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidelines to local authorities regarding schools supplementing income by installing vending machines which sell soft drinks and confectionery and, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidelines to local authorities regarding schools supplementing income by installing vending machines which sell soft drinks and confectionery and, if so, what these guidelines will be.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the provision of vending machines rests with local authorities. The Scottish Diet Action Plan Eating for Health included nutritional guidelines for catering specifications for the public sector, targeted primarily at pre-school and school-age children. Local authorities were encouraged to adopt these guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135587,"EventID":"S1O-02013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways it is listening to the views and concerns of Scotland's local communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways it is listening to the views and concerns of Scotland's local communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is looking at various ways of improving its consultation procedures to ensure everyone has the opportunity to influence policies. The Executive is also supporting the Civic Forum which facilitates inputs from local communities into national policy development. At the community level, the £10 million Working for Communities programme encourages new ways of involving local people in decisions on services. Part of the £3 million Listening to Communities programme funds People's Panels and Juries in Social Inclusion Partnerships to further involve local participation in decision making.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135588,"EventID":"S1O-02022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has decided not to designate the University of the Highlands and Islands as an institution eligible for funding by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has decided not to designate the University of the Highlands and Islands as an institution eligible for funding by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.","AnswerText":"An application for designation of a new institution, called UHI, was received in December 1998. A public consultation exercise identified a number of issues to be addressed before Ministers can reach a decision. Once UHI has addressed these issues we will be able to make that decision.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135589,"EventID":"S1O-02030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote equal opportunities and tackle racism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote equal opportunities and tackle racism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. In support of that commitment the Executive established an Equality Unit and is currently engaged in the development of an equality strategy. The Executive is working to tackle racism and promote race equality. The Race Equality Advisory Forum was set up to advise the Scottish Executive on broad race equality issues and their work will feed in to the development of the equality strategy along with ongoing dialogue with ethnic minority communities and interests. The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Steering Group was set up to oversee progress on the implementation of the Executive's action plan in response to the Macpherson Report.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135590,"EventID":"S1O-02034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether palliative care will be an integral part of strategies for cancer care and the care of those with chronic and progressive illnesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether palliative care will be an integral part of strategies for cancer care and the care of those with chronic and progressive illnesses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the principle that palliative care should form an integral part of the management of those with all forms of progressive illness.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135591,"EventID":"S1O-02045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4663 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 31 May 2000, what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure a more even distribution of lottery funding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4663 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 31 May 2000, what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure a more even distribution of lottery funding.","AnswerText":"We are monitoring the distribution of lottery funds and are addressing with distributors measures to encourage applications from areas of social and economic need.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135592,"EventID":"S1O-02046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that honey dew, honey and pollen contaminated from GM crops do not appear in the food chain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that honey dew, honey and pollen contaminated from GM crops do not appear in the food chain.","AnswerText":"Our policy in relation to GM crops has always been to ensure human health and environmental safety. While it is not possible to give an absolute guarantee that very small amounts of GM material will not be present in honey products, the independent expert advice available to us is that this poses no safety concerns. Without those reassurances we would not grant consent for GM crop trials.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135593,"EventID":"S1O-02047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a national cervical screening system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a national cervical screening system.","AnswerText":"I announced on 6 June my approval for the development of a single national cervical screening call/recall system for Scotland. A working group, Chaired by Trevor Jones, General Manager of Lothian Health Board, is developing a full business specification and taking forward consultation with the service. I expect the group to report back me by the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135594,"EventID":"S1O-02048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to measure the extent of the use of new technology by local authorities in the delivery of their services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to measure the extent of the use of new technology by local authorities in the delivery of their services.","AnswerText":"We are discussing with CoSLA arrangements to ensure that local authorities are fully involved in delivering the First Minister's commitment that all Scottish public services will be available online no later than 2005.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135595,"EventID":"S1O-02055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate the types and safety of herbicides used in some of the GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate the types and safety of herbicides used in some of the GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"All pesticides used in this country, including those which are applied to GM crops, are subject to strict statutory control and are only approved following thorough scientific investigation and evaluation of the risk that they pose to people, wildlife and to the wider environment. Only if this assessment shows that there is no unacceptable risk will the Advisory Committee on Pesticides recommend to Ministers that approval be granted. All pesticides are subject to routine review but can be reviewed at any time if any evidence emerges concerning their safety.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135596,"EventID":"S1O-02058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding the threshold set for the Scottish Graduate Endowment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding the threshold set for the Scottish Graduate Endowment.","AnswerText":"We are currently consulting on our proposals for student support. Our consultation document Scotland: The Learning Nation- Helping Students was issued on 24 May and we have asked for comments and views by 31 August 2000. The comments we have so far received cover a range of issues, including the threshold for the Graduate Endowment.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135597,"EventID":"S1O-02061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how European Union funds will be used to improve information and communication technology in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how European Union funds will be used to improve information and communication technology in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Generally, investment in information and communication technology is a matter for the private sector in line with regulatory and commercial considerations. However, the Special Transitional Programme for the Highlands & Islands will include provision for limited support to ICT development, including infrastructure in remote areas, where the needs of the area cannot be met by commercial interests alone.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135598,"EventID":"S1O-02062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage more women to participate in computing and ICT courses in further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage more women to participate in computing and ICT courses in further and higher education.","AnswerText":"A wide range of initiatives is being undertaken both by the Scottish Executive, and by the universities and colleges themselves, to encourage and facilitate the participation of women in education and training generally. Women now comprise more than 50% of students in both higher and further education. There have also been significant increases in the number of women undertaking computing and ICT courses in Scotland over the last three years - a 40% increase in participation in higher education courses and a 46% increase in further education. This has been supported by recent initiatives as diverse as the additional £6 million for childcare provision mainly for part-time further education students and the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology scheme to which the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council has allocated approximately £100k per annum.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135599,"EventID":"S1O-02063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take in the forthcoming Housing Bill to protect housing association housing from any extension of right to buy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take in the forthcoming Housing Bill to protect housing association housing from any extension of right to buy.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr McAllion to my answer to the question S1W-7983 on 15 June which sets out how we propose to modernise the right to buy so as to achieve a better balance between the interests of the community as a whole, those tenants who wish to buy and relevant landlords such as housing associations. Further details of our proposals for the Housing Bill will be set out in the forthcoming Consultation Paper which I plan to issue shortly. I have also recently lodged a paper Evolving the Right to Buy: Evidence for Scotland with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. This sets out the factual and analytical information that has informed our policy proposals in this area.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135600,"EventID":"S1O-02073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for Scottish women of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's appeal decision regarding the use of taxanes in the treatment of breast c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for Scottish women of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's appeal decision regarding the use of taxanes in the treatment of breast cancer.","AnswerText":"Taxanes are available on the NHS. The use of these drugs in the treatment of breast cancer depends on the clinical judgement of clinicians taking account of the advice of their local Drug and Therapeutic Committee.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135601,"EventID":"S1O-02076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is listening to the views of young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is listening to the views of young people.","AnswerText":"On 19 June, I, along with a large number of my ministerial colleagues, took part in the Scottish Youth Summit 2000 organised by the Scottish Executive. This was the opening event of our Action Programme for Youth, announced in the Programme for Government document. We want young people on national policy issues that impact on their lives. The Summit enabled us, with the help of IT, to hear the views of over 1,200 young people on a wide range of subjects they had identified as relevant to them. Proceedings of the Summit will be published later this year. We will respond then to the key points raised by those who took part.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135602,"EventID":"S1O-02077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to ensure that priority for supply teaching posts is given to qualified teachers not in receipt of a retirement pension from the teachers' pens","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take steps to ensure that priority for supply teaching posts is given to qualified teachers not in receipt of a retirement pension from the teachers' pension fund.","AnswerText":"The employment of supply teachers is a matter for local authorities. I would expect them to ensure that all teaching jobs go to the most suitable applicants.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135603,"EventID":"S1O-02078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the Land Reform Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the Land Reform Bill.","AnswerText":"As announced by Deputy First Minister Mr Jim Wallace on 19 June (by PQ S1W-8083), in launching the third progress report of the Land Reform Action Plan, we decided to take time to resolve some of the technically complex areas of this legislation prior to publishing the draft Bill. We will make a further announcement shortly regarding our plans for publication.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135604,"EventID":"S1O-02079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what links exists between the Careers Service, local authority schools and the construction industry for the purpose of increasing awareness of the range of employment op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what links exists between the Careers Service, local authority schools and the construction industry for the purpose of increasing awareness of the range of employment opportunities within that industry.","AnswerText":"The Construction Industry Training Board's Educational Scheme employs five full-time members of staff who solely promote careers within the construction industry to young people, teachers and careers advisers. The scheme has strong links with both local authority schools, and careers service companies, and has recently held a nationwide programme of \"Careers within Construction\" seminars for teachers and careers advisers. Both the CITB and the Careers Service are actively involved in the promotion of careers information and awareness within schools. Both have developed work within the classroom curriculum for both primary and secondary schools. CITB through their Construction Curriculum Centres have developed programmes of Construction Careers awareness, which runs alongside regular school visits and a number of Construction Careers Evenings. The Careers Service Companies offer impartial advice, information and guidance to young people on a wide variety of careers and training opportunities including those in the construction industry.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135605,"EventID":"S1O-02080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to protect archaeological monuments and historic sites within Kilmartin Valley.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to protect archaeological monuments and historic sites within Kilmartin Valley.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland will continue to exercise its legal powers to protect the 50 monuments in the Kilmartin area scheduled as of national importance and to look after the 14 which are in the direct care of Scottish Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135606,"EventID":"S1O-02086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve further the 68% participation rate for three-year-olds in pre-school education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve further the 68% participation rate for three-year-olds in pre-school education.","AnswerText":"We will invest a further £137 million in pre-school education next year, bringing our total spend in this area to more than £380 million over 1999-2002. I am confident that we will meet our target of universal provision by 2002.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135607,"EventID":"S1O-02087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage the use of wrasse and other environmentally friendly methods of sea lice control and whether such methods can assist in the sustai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage the use of wrasse and other environmentally friendly methods of sea lice control and whether such methods can assist in the sustainable future of the industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is fully committed, through the powers exercised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and through improved husbandry and other practices recommended in the report of the Government/industry working group on ISA, to the control of sea lice in an environmentally friendly way. The use of wrasse is one possibility and is being practised in some areas but has limitations. Wrasse can transmit disease and parasites and are susceptible to some diseases which affect salmon. Their use is only seasonal and stocks of wild wrasse are limited.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135608,"EventID":"S1O-02101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on any cash purchases of shellfish by foreign buyers at Scottish ports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on any cash purchases of shellfish by foreign buyers at Scottish ports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive gathers information on weight and value of fish landed. Information on buyers and method of purchase is not recorded centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135609,"EventID":"S1O-02102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce regulations which would allow procedures to be established to examine properly the suitability and content of literature distributed to chil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce regulations which would allow procedures to be established to examine properly the suitability and content of literature distributed to children within the vicinity of schools.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans. Schools already have a duty of care in common law with a particular responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils. If a Headteacher has cause to be concerned about the activity of groups or individuals in the vicinity of a school he/she will take appropriate action, in line with local authority policies and procedures, involving the police where appropriate, e.g. if there is a threat to public order.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135610,"EventID":"S1O-02110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has endorsed an amended timescale for completion of the Acute Services Review in Tayside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has endorsed an amended timescale for completion of the Acute Services Review in Tayside.","AnswerText":"The timescale of the Acute Services Review is a matter for the health board to consider. The Executive is keen however to see the review completed as soon as is practicable.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135611,"EventID":"S1O-02112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake research into any impact of the Protection Of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill on traditional equestrian events such as Common Ridings, agricultural","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake research into any impact of the Protection Of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill on traditional equestrian events such as Common Ridings, agricultural shows and point-to-points.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to commission any further research on the Protection of Mammals (Scotland) Bill. It will be for the Rural Affairs Committee, as the lead Committee which will consider the Bill, to determine whether any further research is required.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135612,"EventID":"S1O-02117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or intends to take, in the light of the recent announcement made by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on Post Offices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or intends to take, in the light of the recent announcement made by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on Post Offices.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the measures proposed by the UK Government to modernise the Post Office network. The role envisaged for the Post Office fits in well with the Executive`s commitments to rural communities and to addressing the needs of socially excluded people in both urban and rural areas. We will be looking at all of the recommendations in the report prepared by the Performance and Innovation Unit of the Cabinet Office and considering how we can assist the UK Government in taking them forward in Scotland. We will also be considering whether any services provided by the Executive or its agencies might be supplied in future by the Post Office network.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135613,"EventID":"S1O-02118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be made available to create a \"ghost island\" on the A83 opposite the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be made available to create a \"ghost island\" on the A83 opposite the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive do not intend to fund the provision of a \"ghost island\" on the A83 opposite the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135614,"EventID":"S1O-02123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to promote public health in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to promote public health in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The promotion of public health is being progressed through a wide range of measures which seek to improve life circumstances, to address lifestyles and to target priority health topics, with an overarching aim of reducing health inequalities. These measures are developing from the White Paper, Towards a Healthier Scotland, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 3036). The Healthy Scotland Convention, which brings together key partners from a range of sectors, met on 3 July to review working arrangements and how they might be enhanced to reinforce the delivery of this agenda. Particular attention was given to the options for maximising the benefit from the additional £26 million that the Scottish Executive has announced that it intends to invest to further boost work in this area.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135615,"EventID":"S1O-02126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Her Majesty's Government's Defence Estates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Her Majesty's Government's Defence Estates.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials last met representatives of the UK Government`s Defence Estates on 7 June at the launch of the Ministry of Defence's Estate Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135616,"EventID":"S1O-02130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the shadow Strategic Rail Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the shadow Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"I last met the Chief Executive of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority on 26 June.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135617,"EventID":"S1O-02133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was consulted over the recently authorised decision to close Langlands, Melrose, Glenhead, Abronhill, Whitelees, St Joseph's and Sacred Heart Primary Schools in Cumbe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was consulted over the recently authorised decision to close Langlands, Melrose, Glenhead, Abronhill, Whitelees, St Joseph's and Sacred Heart Primary Schools in Cumbernauld earlier than previously scheduled.","AnswerText":"We have no information as to who North Lanarkshire Council may have consulted on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135618,"EventID":"S1O-02135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop transport infrastructure in the Glasgow area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop transport infrastructure in the Glasgow area.","AnswerText":"We plan to spend around £31 million on motorways and trunk roads in Glasgow in the period to 31 March 2002, and £17.5 million, via the Public Transport Fund, on bus priority measures, the Partick Interchange and improved train rolling stock.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135619,"EventID":"S1O-02138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available to local authorities to ensure that the necessary funds are available to strengthen bridges in order to comply with EU regulations","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available to local authorities to ensure that the necessary funds are available to strengthen bridges in order to comply with EU regulations for higher gross weight lorries.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive support for local authorities' capital expenditure on roads and transport is included within the single allocation under section 94 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 which covers all non-housing capital programmes. It is for local authorities to prioritise upgrading of bridges to meet the 40-tonne EC standard and allocate the necessary funding from the resources available to them.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135620,"EventID":"S1O-02139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to support young people in their transition from education to the workplace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to support young people in their transition from education to the workplace.","AnswerText":"Measures include guidance to schools on the curriculum, practical training for young people through work experience programmes, and a range of enterprise education initiatives in schools. The Careers Service offers impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, education opportunities, job vacancies, and work-based training such as Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135621,"EventID":"S1O-02143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the Starting Well initiative for expectant mothers, babies and toddlers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the Starting Well initiative for expectant mothers, babies and toddlers.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for delivering the \"Starting Well\" demonstration project has been allocated to a team led by the Glasgow Healthy City Partnership. The team is currently making the necessary preparatory arrangements, with the aim of formally commencing the project in the next couple of months.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135622,"EventID":"S1O-02147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards introducing legislation in respect of carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards introducing legislation in respect of carers.","AnswerText":"Under our Strategy for Carers in Scotland we set up a Carers' Legislation Working Group to consider proposals for new legislation to support carers. The group has been meeting since February and its recommendations will be consulted upon later this year. Legislation will be introduced as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135623,"EventID":"S1O-02150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing, in the light of the interim report of the task force set up to oversee the management of NHS services in Tayside, to address any current problems being ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing, in the light of the interim report of the task force set up to oversee the management of NHS services in Tayside, to address any current problems being faced by Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The focus of the interim report is on the diagnosis of the problems and it is for the Trusts and health boards to work with the task force to address them. However, as I announced on 30 June, I intend to put in place additional management support to bolster the senior team within Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust, to help them drive forward change and improvement.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135624,"EventID":"S1O-02151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial arrangements are in place to assist NHS patients who are required to travel outwith their own health board area for treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial arrangements are in place to assist NHS patients who are required to travel outwith their own health board area for treatment.","AnswerText":"There are currently two Patients' Travelling Expenses Schemes. A non-means tested Highlands and Islands Scheme for patients resident or working in the former Highlands and Islands Development area and a means tested scheme for the rest of the country. Under the Regulations patients, and where considered medically necessary their escorts, are reimbursed, either fully or partially, their travelling expenses. In addition the cost of unavoidable overnight expenses can be reimbursed if the health board is satisfied that an overnight stay is in practice unavoidable. Health boards also have discretion to reimburse the travel costs and unavoidable overnight expenses of patients not eligible for assistance under the statutory travel schemes when this is viewed as an extension to patients' treatment costs and is deemed to be clinically necessary.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135625,"EventID":"S1O-02152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allocate resources for the provision of additional residential places for victims of sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allocate resources for the provision of additional residential places for victims of sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"It is for the NHS and local authorities to consider jointly, the very real and sensitive needs of this care group in the organisation of care provision and accommodation that meets the assessed needs of their area.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135626,"EventID":"S1O-02154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed plans it has for the implementation of the transfer of funds for people under 18 leaving local authority care from the Department of Social Security to loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed plans it has for the implementation of the transfer of funds for people under 18 leaving local authority care from the Department of Social Security to local authorities.","AnswerText":"We are currently reviewing throughcare and aftercare arrangements for careleavers, including the best use of resources to be transferred from DSS. I have sent up a working group with representatives from local authorities, relevant public agencies and voluntary bodies who can speak for young people themselves to give me advice on how to improve current arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135627,"EventID":"S1O-02158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that any evidence exists of age discrimination in the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that any evidence exists of age discrimination in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Christine Grahame has drawn attention in her motion S1M-1116 to a number of reports on the subject. These continuing allegations of discrimination within the NHS on grounds of age are a source of concern. The Scottish Executive is clear that clinical decisions must not be taken solely on the basis of an individual's chronological age.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135628,"EventID":"S1O-02161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions its Rural Affairs Department has had with the Scottish Crofter's Union regarding the forthcoming crofting reform legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions its Rural Affairs Department has had with the Scottish Crofter's Union regarding the forthcoming crofting reform legislation.","AnswerText":"The department regularly meets with senior representatives from the Scottish Crofters Union and is doing so again today. At three meetings within the last three months crofting reform issues were discussed. The SCU are also members of the Crofting Consultative Panel. Their views are therefore sought on the full range of measures which might be included in any future crofting legislation.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135629,"EventID":"S1O-02162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give full details of the extent and consequences of the reported problems with this year's Standard Grades awards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give full details of the extent and consequences of the reported problems with this year's Standard Grades awards.","AnswerText":"I made a statement to the Parliament yesterday on these matters.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135630,"EventID":"S1O-02165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove the annual groundwater maintenance charge of #123 per farmer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove the annual groundwater maintenance charge of #123 per farmer.","AnswerText":"We do not propose to ask the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to waive the annual charge under the Groundwater Regulations 1998. It remains our policy that SEPA should move towards full recovery of the costs of regulation in line with the polluter pays principle. At £123, the annual charge, which covers the cost of periodic inspections for monitoring purposes, is considerably lower than originally proposed during public consultation on the Groundwater Regulations. A number of special arrangements have, nevertheless been made in Scotland to ease the burden of the Groundwater Regulations. Smaller farmers and crofters can share one set of charges by working collectively to dispose of spent sheep dip, thus reducing substantially the amount they pay each year. The annual charge was also waived in Scotland in 1999-2000 while SEPA determined the first tranche of applications.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135631,"EventID":"S1O-02167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering asking the Scottish Qualifications Authority to return marked examination scripts to schools and further education establishments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering asking the Scottish Qualifications Authority to return marked examination scripts to schools and further education establishments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Authority has had under consideration for some time the issues which would be involved in a decision whether to take such action in future years.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135632,"EventID":"S1O-02171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Ministers last met representatives from the Scottish Qualifications Authority and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Ministers last met representatives from the Scottish Qualifications Authority and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I have been in frequent contact with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority over recent weeks. In the period since the issue of examination results on 9 August, discussion has focused on how to remedy as quickly and effectively as possible the problems which have affected a proportion of candidates and on setting in hand analysis of the causes of the problems in order to ensure that they do not recur in future.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135633,"EventID":"S1O-02177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the organisation and structure of the NHSiS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the organisation and structure of the NHSiS.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to a programme for modernising the NHS in Scotland. As part of that programme we are keen to ensure that systems, structures and governance arrangements are in place which support the delivery of modern, patient centred care. We are currently examining issues of governance and accountability within the health care system and any proposals for change are likely to be included in the forthcoming Scottish Health Plan.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135634,"EventID":"S1O-02185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to remove barriers and increase access to information technology and the internet for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to remove barriers and increase access to information technology and the internet for disabled people.","AnswerText":"Providing services which suit the needs of the entire community, including disabled people, is part of our commitments to universal Internet access and all government services being online by 2005.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135635,"EventID":"S1O-02186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for access to higher education institutions of the recent problems within the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for access to higher education institutions of the recent problems within the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service reported yesterday that the number of applicants from Scotland admitted to universities in the United Kingdom was 2.6% higher than at the same point in the admissions process in 1999. This implies that the substantial efforts to avoid negative consequences for candidates affected by examination problems have been effective.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135636,"EventID":"S1O-02188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits will flow from the adoption by the European Commission of its proposals for Objective 3 funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits will flow from the adoption by the European Commission of its proposals for Objective 3 funding.","AnswerText":"The approval of the Objective 3 programme will make some £312 million of EU funding available in Scotland during 2000-06. These funds will be used to improve employment opportunities by co-financing vocational training and other actions to enhance the skills of employed and unemployed people, particularly those facing exclusion from the labour market.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135637,"EventID":"S1O-02193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the situation in respect of this year's Standard Grade and Higher results is not repeated next year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the situation in respect of this year's Standard Grade and Higher results is not repeated next year.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has appointed Deloitte and Touche to undertake an independent study of the entire process this year from the point at which assessments or initial examination markings were passed to the Scottish Qualifications Authority to the issue of examination results. We have also brought forward the quinquennial Policy and Financial Management Review of the Scottish Qualifications Agency due in 2002 to enable us to examine, in particular, its structure and functions and its accountability to Ministers. The Scottish Executive has also agreed to the request by the interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Agency that a senior official of the Executive should participate in the internal review which he has set in hand. Separate from consideration of the problems which have arisen with the issue of examination results, we announced in March 2000 that there would be a review of all aspects of experience of the first year of implementation of Higher Still and that review has begun.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135638,"EventID":"S1O-02194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils in Dumfries and Galloway have received incorrect or incomplete notification of their Standard Grade or Higher results.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils in Dumfries and Galloway have received incorrect or incomplete notification of their Standard Grade or Higher results.","AnswerText":"The administration of the examinations is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). However they have informed me that there were 242 review cases at higher level, and 119 at standard grade. All of which have been resolved.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135639,"EventID":"S1O-02195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has prepared any contingency plans to deal with the possibility of the USA imposing tariffs on Scottish goods as a result of the US Carousel Act of May 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has prepared any contingency plans to deal with the possibility of the USA imposing tariffs on Scottish goods as a result of the US Carousel Act of May 2000.","AnswerText":"We have been working closely through Scottish Trade International with the Scotland Office and the Department of Trade and Industry, to do all we can to avert the threat of US tariffs. We will continue to lobby hard until this dispute is resolved.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135640,"EventID":"S1O-02200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what immediate plans it has to address the grievances of public sector workers following the Unison led day of action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what immediate plans it has to address the grievances of public sector workers following the Unison led day of action.","AnswerText":"Local authority pay is matter for the local authorities and unions to resolve. The Executive has no representation in these negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135641,"EventID":"S1O-02202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it held over the Parliament's summer recess with representatives of the National Farmers Union of Scotland and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it held over the Parliament's summer recess with representatives of the National Farmers Union of Scotland and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I met representatives of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland on 10 occasions in various locations throughout the country over the summer recess. The main topics discussed were support for Less Favoured Areas and the development of an agricultural strategy.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135642,"EventID":"S1O-02205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is liable should genetically modified (GM) crop material from GM crop sites damage neighbouring farms or local biodiversity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is liable should genetically modified (GM) crop material from GM crop sites damage neighbouring farms or local biodiversity.","AnswerText":"There are currently no provisions in Scots or UK law covering liability for damage caused specifically by genetically modified organisms. The ability of an individual to secure compensation for damage allegedly caused by GMO releases has not been tested in the courts. However, under the terms of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, there are powers to prosecute the consent holder where the limitations and conditions attached to a deliberate release consent are breached. The Scottish Executive's main priority is to protect human health and the environment. The farm scale trials are the latest in a comprehensive series of risk assessments designed to tell us what impact, if any, the management of GM crops will have on the environment and biodiversity.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135643,"EventID":"S1O-02206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with Forth Valley Health Board and Tayside Health Board over the reshaping of the National Health Service in their areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with Forth Valley Health Board and Tayside Health Board over the reshaping of the National Health Service in their areas.","AnswerText":"The planning and delivery of health services is a matter primarily for health boards and Trusts. I can confirm, however, that the Scottish Executive meets regularly with health boards - including Forth Valley and Tayside - to learn of their proposals for improving services for patients.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135644,"EventID":"S1O-02208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in helping low income households pay their water charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in helping low income households pay their water charges.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering whether it can improve on the assistance provided to many low income households through the link between water and sewerage charges and council tax bands. I expect to publish a consultation paper on this shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135645,"EventID":"S1O-02209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its National Cultural Strategy will assist in combating social exclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its National Cultural Strategy will assist in combating social exclusion.","AnswerText":"The National Cultural Strategy set out as one of its strategic objectives to realise culture's contribution to promoting inclusion and identified a series of actions to further that objective.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135646,"EventID":"S1O-02215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help the scallop industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to help the scallop industry.","AnswerText":"I have already made provision for a licence relaxation to allow a number of Category C licensed scallop vessels to fish for west coast nephrops. I have also given an undertaking that resources will be available from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) to assist with suitable projects within the scallop industry. I have sought to encourage the industry to develop projects, principally in the areas of diversification or market/product development.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135647,"EventID":"S1O-02217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the special funding package for the Highlands and Islands approved by the European Commission will improve this region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the special funding package for the Highlands and Islands approved by the European Commission will improve this region.","AnswerText":"The Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme will provide for around £200 million of Structural Funding together with over £500 million from national public and private resources over the next seven years. The funds will be used to support our vision of a Highlands and Islands which is \"prosperous, inclusive and with self sustaining communities where the unique cultures, traditions and environments are enhanced\" by, for example, stimulating job creation, supporting business and investing in training.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135648,"EventID":"S1O-02219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle the levels of dental disease among children in the Greater Glasgow Health Board Area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle the levels of dental disease among children in the Greater Glasgow Health Board Area.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow Health Board/ Primary Care Trust have a number of local measures in place to improve the oral health of children e.g. the Possilpark Pre 5 Programme. In addition, the Scottish Executive published on 18 August An Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland. The action plan outlines a number of initiatives to improve the dental health of the people of Scotland, particularly children.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135649,"EventID":"S1O-02222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to remove the 90 head limit on claims under the Beef Special Premium Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to remove the 90 head limit on claims under the Beef Special Premium Scheme.","AnswerText":"My department will be consulting relevant industry organisations on the issue in the very near future. Any subsequent changes to the current arrangements which may be required will be made on a GB basis.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135650,"EventID":"S1O-02223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that adequate, comfortable and appropriate housing will be available to cope with the predicted rise in the percentage of the population made ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that adequate, comfortable and appropriate housing will be available to cope with the predicted rise in the percentage of the population made up of older people.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have resources at their disposal to meet the housing needs of all Scotland's population, including older people. Total resources of around £345 million are available this year for capital expenditure on local authority housing stock. In addition, Scottish Homes will invest over £206 million this year on 6,000 new and improved houses across Scotland to meet housing needs, including those of older people.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135651,"EventID":"S1O-02224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to raise public awareness of, and to make provision for, the education of children regarding sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to raise public awareness of, and to make provision for, the education of children regarding sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"All education authorities in Scotland have guidelines and procedures for Child Protection to ensure the safety and well being of children and young people and to protect those adults working with them. Schools also play a part in the prevention of child abuse through the teaching they offer. Within the curriculum, health education, personal and social development and religious and moral education can all serve as vehicles for considering aspects of physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Schools should keep parents, carers and other agencies informed about school child protection policies and procedures and about the content of personal safety programmes. A Commitment to Protect - Supervising Sex Offenders in the Community recommended amongst other things that all education authorities should have in place a personal safety programme promoting pupils' skills, knowledge and understanding to assist them in living safely and feel empowered to reject inappropriate behaviour. Practical advice on this recommendation is being developed by the Expert Panel on Sex Offending chaired by Lady Cosgrove. We look forward to receiving the panel's report in due course.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135652,"EventID":"S1O-02226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in establishing a national theatre company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in establishing a national theatre company.","AnswerText":"We announced in the National Cultural Strategy, our intention to conduct a feasibility study on proposals for a national theatre company for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135653,"EventID":"S1O-02232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policies are for supporting the voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policies are for supporting the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has an ambitious programme to work in partnership with the voluntary sector. We welcome the substantial and growing contribution that the sector makes to Scottish life and we have taken early action to establish the modern legal, financial, and infrastructure framework that will allow the voluntary sector to prosper and the social economy in Scotland to reach its full potential. We have implemented the Scottish Compact to improve the effectiveness of our relationship with the sector, and our funding of the sector, direct and indirect, stands at £300 million. We have also launched the Active Communities strategy, with a particular focus on excluded groups, to encourage volunteering and community participation.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135654,"EventID":"S1O-02234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it plans to offer to farmers wishing to convert their land to organic production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it plans to offer to farmers wishing to convert their land to organic production.","AnswerText":"Payments totalling a maximum of £157,900 over five years are available under the Organic Aid Scheme to farmers wishing to convert their land to organic production methods. Total payments under the scheme in 1999-2000 amounted to £1.2 million.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135655,"EventID":"S1O-02243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the consultation process before any further special areas of conservation are declared.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the consultation process before any further special areas of conservation are declared.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to change current consultation procedures. Scottish Natural Heritage undertake full consultation on behalf of Scottish Ministers with owners, occupiers and other interested parties for all sites proposed as Special Areas of Conservation.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135656,"EventID":"S1O-02245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5761 by Rhona Brankin on 13 April 2000, how work to take forward the role of sport in promoting social inclusion has progressed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5761 by Rhona Brankin on 13 April 2000, how work to take forward the role of sport in promoting social inclusion has progressed.","AnswerText":"Our aim is to harness new and existing resources to reap the full potential of sport in creating a more inclusive Scotland. One example is sportscotland's commitment to working with all 47 Social Inclusion Partnerships over the next three years to ensure there is a sports component in every Partnership area.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135657,"EventID":"S1O-02246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the demand for secure unit places for children exceeds the number of places available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the demand for secure unit places for children exceeds the number of places available.","AnswerText":"Demand for secure places can exceed supply from time to time although that does not necessarily mean that provision overall is inadequate. I have asked the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group chaired by Sally Kuenssberg, Chairman of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, to consider supply and demand issues as part of its remit.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135658,"EventID":"S1O-02250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reconsider its position regarding funding of the M74 extension in the light of recent representations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reconsider its position regarding funding of the M74 extension in the light of recent representations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-2277.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135659,"EventID":"S1O-02251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with Forth Valley Health Board and Tayside Health Board about the future of maternity and paediatric services for people living in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with Forth Valley Health Board and Tayside Health Board about the future of maternity and paediatric services for people living in the Callander and Dunblane areas.","AnswerText":"The planning and delivery of health services is a matter primarily for health boards and Trusts. I can confirm, however, that the Scottish Executive meets regularly with health boards - including Forth Valley and Tayside - to learn of their proposals for improving services for patients throughout their areas.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135660,"EventID":"S1O-02252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the current level of fuel tax and its impact on the Scottish economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the current level of fuel tax and its impact on the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including that of the impact of fuel costs on the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135661,"EventID":"S1O-02257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the aim of reducing suicides is not undermined by any shortage of resources in health boards and social work departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the aim of reducing suicides is not undermined by any shortage of resources in health boards and social work departments.","AnswerText":"Any resource implications that arise from Scottish Executive policies on suicide prevention will be identified and acted upon. Indeed, the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland, published in 1997, which offers best practice in the organisation of care and preventative measures, already recognises the isolation that can lead to suicide attempts and encourages health boards and their partner care agencies to organise appropriate services to match needs, for example, programmes of assertive outreach that ensure continuing contact with those considered at risk. We remain determined to tackle suicide through both specific and general measures. However, health boards and social work departments are not the only agents involved in achieving a reduction in the number of suicides in Scotland. An individual's decision to commit suicide is dependent on a large number of social, economic, personal, and psychological factors. The Scottish Executive agenda to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland is intended to tackle such factors and to reduce this tragic loss of life.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135662,"EventID":"S1O-02266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures it is taking to tackle fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures it is taking to tackle fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"I would refer to my answer to question S1O-2283.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135663,"EventID":"S1O-02271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken by the Scottish Arts Council to promote the creative industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken by the Scottish Arts Council to promote the creative industries.","AnswerText":"This week the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Enterprise announced their Creative Industries Company Development initiative, an exciting joint programme, delivering a total of £120,000 in support of small Scottish-based record companies and book publishers.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135664,"EventID":"S1O-02272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to organisations which support families affected by separation and divorce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to organisations which support families affected by separation and divorce.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive greatly values the work of organisations supporting families in transition, and is giving a total of £718,395 in the current year to a range of bodies offering mediation and counselling. This is an increase of 40% on the previous year.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135665,"EventID":"S1O-02273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the take-up of flu vaccinations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the take-up of flu vaccinations.","AnswerText":"On 17 September I launched the Executive's publicity campaign, to encourage uptake of influenza vaccination in 2000-01 - press release 2476/2000 refers. In addition, in recognition of the additional workload on general practices and to encourage uptake of vaccination in the community, the Executive has agreed a remuneration package for GPs with representatives of the British Medical Association in Scotland. We have also set GPs an uptake target of 60% for those aged 65 years and over.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135666,"EventID":"S1O-02274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in introducing measures which will require all new ground-based telecommunication masts to be subject to full planning controls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in introducing measures which will require all new ground-based telecommunication masts to be subject to full planning controls.","AnswerText":"I intend to issue draft regulations and a draft National Planning Policy Guideline for consultation next month.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135667,"EventID":"S1O-02275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to begin consultation on the regulation of the security industry in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to begin consultation on the regulation of the security industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We aim to issue a consultation paper before the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135668,"EventID":"S1O-02277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it plans to make to the request from Glasgow City Council that it provide funds for the completion of the M74 Northern Extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it plans to make to the request from Glasgow City Council that it provide funds for the completion of the M74 Northern Extension.","AnswerText":"The report took eight months to prepare and reached me only on 12 September. Given the scale of the project and enormity of the costs, I need more than eight days to respond.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135669,"EventID":"S1O-02280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that hospitals can no longer remove or retain children's organs without parental consent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that hospitals can no longer remove or retain children's organs without parental consent.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer I gave to question S1O-2248, asked by Lord James Douglas-Hamilton.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135670,"EventID":"S1O-02281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to assist pensioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to assist pensioners.","AnswerText":"I refer Patricia Ferguson to the answer I gave to question S1O-2270.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135671,"EventID":"S1O-02282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the proposals in Aiming for Excellence and how this progress is being communicated to the social services workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the proposals in Aiming for Excellence and how this progress is being communicated to the social services workforce.","AnswerText":"We have made significant progress. Following consultation early in the year we published our detailed proposals for legislation in July. These proposals form the basis for the Regulation of Care Bill which we will be bringing before Parliament later this year. We have, in conjunction with CoSLA, published two newsletters for staff informing them of the progress we have made. These newsletters have been widely distributed to ensure that all key staff are aware of the proposed changes. The most recent edition was sent out last month following the publication of our legislative proposals, and further editions are planned as work progresses.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135672,"EventID":"S1O-02285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the installation of soft drinks and confectionery vending machines in schools would have on its dental health policy and its Action Plan for Dental Services i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the installation of soft drinks and confectionery vending machines in schools would have on its dental health policy and its Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diet Action Plan, \"Eating for Health\", which sets out the framework for improving Scotland's diet, highlights the impact of sugary drinks and confectionery on children's dental health. We are, therefore, continuing to work with health boards, local authorities and dental service providers, through both the Diet Action Plan and the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland, to implement, as a matter of priority, healthy eating policies in schools and to promote positive oral hygiene practices.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135673,"EventID":"S1O-02290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take regarding the possible closure of the Miners' Library in Wanlockhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take regarding the possible closure of the Miners' Library in Wanlockhead.","AnswerText":"Funding of the Miners' Library in the Lead Mining Museum is the responsibility of the Wanlockhead Museums Trust. However, we announced in the National Cultural Strategy a national audit of museum collections to inform the development of criteria for a restructuring of the sector, with the aim of establishing a sustainable funding framework for the future. Industrial museums will be given priority in this process. We have announced funding of £250,000 this year and £3 million over the next three years for these purposes.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135674,"EventID":"S1O-02291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Tayside Health Board spent 14% of their capital allocation in 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Tayside Health Board spent 14% of their capital allocation in 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Capital resources of £6.7 million were made available for investment in the Tayside Health Board area in 1999-2000. In addition to £1 million of capital investment in the Tayside area in 1999-2000, £5.7million was transferred from capital to revenue budgets. A large element of the funds transferred were to fund schemes that, under accounting standards, do not add capital value to the NHSiS estate. I have tightened up the rules on capital to revenue transfers and from 2000-01, all capital funds must be spent on capital items.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135675,"EventID":"S1O-02294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to restructure the hill farming sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to restructure the hill farming sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently working with the industry to produce a strategy for a sustainable farming industry in Scotland. I cannot anticipate what proposals might emerge in relation to hill farming.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135676,"EventID":"S1O-02296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether voluntary organisations in Scotland will benefit from its newly announced spending plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether voluntary organisations in Scotland will benefit from its newly announced spending plans.","AnswerText":"We value highly the contribution that the voluntary sector makes to policy development and service delivery. The budget for the voluntary sector's infrastructure, including the networks of Councils for Voluntary Service and Local Volunteer Development Agencies, will increase from £6 million in the current year to £9 million in 2001-02. Ministers have yet to consider the detailed allocation of the increased resources but will make announcements in due course.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135677,"EventID":"S1O-02300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1901,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to protect the interests of anglers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to protect the interests of anglers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have had meetings with the Scottish Anglers National Association, Scottish Campaign for Public Angling as well as a number of angling clubs over the past year, in connection with the Scottish Executive's consultation on Protecting and Promoting Scotland's Freshwater Fish and Fisheries. I also wrote directly to over 300 angling clubs. We are now considering responses to that consultation and I will report to Parliament shortly on that. Meanwhile the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Bill will shortly be introduced to Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135678,"EventID":"S1O-02302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the use of public transport across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the use of public transport across Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are promoting public transport through a range of initiatives including: (i) doubling the Public Transport Fund to £60 million per annum by 2003-04; (ii) spending record sums to improve lifeline ferry and air services in the Highlands and Islands; (iii) securing a replacement Scottish passenger rail franchise; (iv) bringing forward the Transport (Scotland) Bill to deliver higher quality bus services, tackle urban congestion and deliver improved concessionary fares.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135679,"EventID":"S1O-02305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the total cost of the construction of the Malletsheugh-Dumbreck stretch of the M77 has been spent on compensation for noise and disruption to residents","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the total cost of the construction of the Malletsheugh-Dumbreck stretch of the M77 has been spent on compensation for noise and disruption to residents and to deal with air and noise pollution.","AnswerText":"£586,000, about 1% of the contract cost, has been spent so far on monetary and noise insulation compensation for depreciation of property value. Over 800 further claims are currently being negotiated.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135680,"EventID":"S1O-02309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage the recruitment and training of more Gaelic medium teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage the recruitment and training of more Gaelic medium teachers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has written to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council drawing attention to the fact that the supply of Gaelic medium teachers continued to be a priority of Scottish Ministers. The council were asked to assist in promoting provision in this area.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135681,"EventID":"S1O-02316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in considering what action is necessary to ensure that digital technology is available in all areas of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in considering what action is necessary to ensure that digital technology is available in all areas of Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is a major strategic decision for the Executive. As announced in the Executive's response to the Digital Scotland Taskforce report, we plan a series of discussions with the Enterprise Agencies and telecoms providers in the autumn of this year.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135682,"EventID":"S1O-02317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in relation to the Modernising Government agenda.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in relation to the Modernising Government agenda.","AnswerText":"On 10 July, I announced that 47 bids had been given initial approval to work up their proposals for the £25 million Modernising Government Fund. Bidders have until 29 September to submit their final bid, and I hope to announce details of the successful projects in the next few months. The Executive has put in hand a significant programme of internal change, and a parallel programme of civil service reform is underway. On 31 August, I announced that the Executive had been successful in securing an additional £3.58 million from Cabinet Office funds to support and accelerate this work. We also intend to publish shortly an Action Plan for taking forward 21st Century Government.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135683,"EventID":"S1O-02321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its report on haemophiliacs and hepatitis C will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its report on haemophiliacs and hepatitis C will be published.","AnswerText":"I hope to be in a position to publish the report \"Hepatitis C and the Heat Treatment of Blood Products for Haemophiliacs in the mid-1980s\" very shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135684,"EventID":"S1O-02322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to protect and enhance Scotland's beaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to protect and enhance Scotland's beaches.","AnswerText":"We are taking action on a number of fronts to protect and improve Scotland's beaches and bathing waters in order to encourage tourism and recreation. Our Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring Scotland's 60 designated bathing waters up to European standards. Improvements in sewerage infrastructure are already showing results but we cannot be complacent. The water authorities' substantial investment programme of £1.8 billion over this and the next two financial years will result in, among other things, further improvements through better sewage treatment standards and will dramatically reduce pollution from point sources. We are also working with a range of interested parties, particularly from agriculture, to tackle the remaining issues. Building on their substantial investment in wastewater treatment, the three Scottish water authorities have developed initiatives to promote cleaner beaches, involving local communities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and interest groups. The Executive also provides grant aid to the environmental group Keep Scotland Beautiful which carries out anti-litter initiatives and local authority training programmes.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135685,"EventID":"S1O-02324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that consideration of sustainable development issues is integrated into the policy formulation processes of each of its departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that consideration of sustainable development issues is integrated into the policy formulation processes of each of its departments.","AnswerText":"As an Executive, we are committed to integrating sustainable development into all our policies. That's why I established the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland. Chaired by me, it includes three other Ministers and two external members to take forward the sustainable development agenda within the Executive and our sponsored bodies. We are developing criteria which can be used in day-to-day decision making to take account of the effect of policies on the key issues of resource management, energy use and travel. We set out our initial thoughts in a pre-consultation document, which was discussed by key stakeholders at a meeting which I chaired. We are currently considering their views and will shortly produce a consultation paper to stimulate a wider debate throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135686,"EventID":"S1O-02327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the Marine Health Check report by Worldwide Fund for Nature, in particular the conclusion that the health of the marine environment is deterioratin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the Marine Health Check report by Worldwide Fund for Nature, in particular the conclusion that the health of the marine environment is deteriorating, and what action it intends to take in response to this report.","AnswerText":"I have only received this report in the last week. I can assure Mr Harper that I will be studying it carefully. From a preliminary read it is clear that the report raises issues which go considerably beyond the competence of this Parliament. But I agree we need to take careful note of the report's contents and ensure that they are fed into our policy considerations for the marine environment.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135687,"EventID":"S1O-02328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be applied to prioritise the allocation of the funds being made available from 2001-02 for the provision of central heating for pensioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be applied to prioritise the allocation of the funds being made available from 2001-02 for the provision of central heating for pensioners.","AnswerText":"I am convening a group to determine how the central heating initiative will be implemented. It will include representatives of the power companies and relevant charities. This is one of the issues which will be considered.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135688,"EventID":"S1O-02333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline any emergency initiatives available to local authorities in the event of a rapid increase in homelessness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline any emergency initiatives available to local authorities in the event of a rapid increase in homelessness.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a wide range of duties and responsibilities for housing homeless people. The delivery of these duties is supported by detailed guidelines set out in the Code of Guidance on Homelessness (available in SPICE). The Code includes guidance on action which may be taken in the event of an emergency. The Executive has increased the total resources available under the RSI to £40 million and provided £5.3 million through the B&B initiative. Together these assist local authorities in providing a range of projects to prevent and alleviate rough sleeping and homelessness.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135689,"EventID":"S1O-02334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will put in place to discourage young women from taking up smoking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will put in place to discourage young women from taking up smoking.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking forward a range of measures to reduce levels of smoking among young people, especially young women. These include health education and promotion activities such as mass media advertising and Smokeline; targeted smoking cessation services and a new enforcement package to target underage sales of tobacco. Importantly, an element of the additional funding being made available under the £26 million health improvement fund announced on 20 August will be used for a major education drive to cut young people's smoking.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135690,"EventID":"S1O-02337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its announcement on 19 September 2000 of free central heating for pensioners and families, how many private pensioner homes will have central heating installe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its announcement on 19 September 2000 of free central heating for pensioners and families, how many private pensioner homes will have central heating installed over the next five years.","AnswerText":"We estimate that 40,000 pensioners who are owner-occupiers or private renters will have central heating systems installed.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135691,"EventID":"S1O-02338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure high standards in the sewerage system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure high standards in the sewerage system.","AnswerText":"The three Scottish water authorities are investing £1.8 billion in Scotland's water and sewerage networks over this and the next two years, to secure a better service for customers. We are also carrying out a quality and standards exercise which will identify the further measures needed to meet European and national legislative requirements.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135692,"EventID":"S1O-02340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the employment implications of the housing stock transfer proposal in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the employment implications of the housing stock transfer proposal in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The employment implications of housing stock transfer will be a matter for individual councils. The Executive has made clear that proposals must take account of the obligations under the TUPE regulations and any agreed enhancements. The feasibility study into the transfer of Glasgow's council housing into community ownership estimated a potential net additional employment effect of up to 3,100 jobs.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135693,"EventID":"S1O-02343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1879 by Ross Finnie on 8 June 2000, what further action has been taken in relation to the possibility that crops contaminated with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-1879 by Ross Finnie on 8 June 2000, what further action has been taken in relation to the possibility that crops contaminated with GM seed have entered the human and animal food chains.","AnswerText":"As I made clear in my earlier answer, the crop sown in 1999 had already been harvested and had possibly entered the food chain prior to the discovery that the seed had been contaminated. As I also made clear in that answer, we have advice from the Food Standards Agency Scotland, the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs and the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment that there is no added risk to food safety, animal feedingstuff or the environment from the contaminated crop. The crop sown in 2000 has been destroyed and has not entered the food chains.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135694,"EventID":"S1O-02344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is being made to ensure that ranger services are provided in the National Parks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is being made to ensure that ranger services are provided in the National Parks.","AnswerText":"The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 allows National Park authorities to appoint staff. This is likely to include rangers. The proposals for a National Park in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and in the Cairngorms, published recently for consultation, seek views on rangers, and whether any additional powers are needed in the designation orders to enable the provision of effective ranger services.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135695,"EventID":"S1O-02346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available to the City of Edinburgh Council for flood prevention schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available to the City of Edinburgh Council for flood prevention schemes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive makes funding available to local authorities, under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961. Subject to flood prevention schemes meeting specific cost benefit criteria, grant for confirmed schemes is available at a rate of 50%. The City of Edinburgh Council has not submitted any proposed flood prevention schemes to the Executive for consideration and, therefore, the question of funding for such schemes has not yet arisen.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135696,"EventID":"S1O-02348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve transport links to the Northern Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve transport links to the Northern Isles.","AnswerText":"The Executive seeks to ensure that there are affordable air and sea links to Scotland's island communities including the Northern Isles. I am also announcing today that the preferred bidder for the Northern Isles Passenger Ferry subsidy contract from 2002 is NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries, a joint venture of Caledonian MacBrayne and the Royal Bank of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135697,"EventID":"S1O-02351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on moving towards a dispatch priority response service in the Scottish Ambulance Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on moving towards a dispatch priority response service in the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service is in the process of gathering evidence about how priority-based dispatch is working in England, and is on target to report to me in 2001.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135698,"EventID":"S1O-02356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that pensioner poverty will be eradicated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that pensioner poverty will be eradicated.","AnswerText":"In our Social Justice strategy, we have set long-term targets of ensuring older people are financially secure and that increased numbers enjoy independent and healthy lives. We have just announced a £300 million package including a warm deal for all pensioners, a national concessionary travel scheme and a package of care support to deliver early progress towards these targets. In addition we are working closely with the UK Government which has responsibility for tax and benefits policies to improve the incomes of pensioners.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135699,"EventID":"S1O-02369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an overall Scottish target for the reduction of emissions causing climate change will be announced and how and when separate targets for industry, commerce, transpor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an overall Scottish target for the reduction of emissions causing climate change will be announced and how and when separate targets for industry, commerce, transport and other sectors will be set.","AnswerText":"The Executive is considering the responses to the Scottish Climate Change Consultation, which ended on 2 June. I plan to publish the final Scottish Climate Change Programme in the near future. This will detail the action we will take in Scotland across all sectors to combat the threat of climate change.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135700,"EventID":"S1O-02435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for promotion and encouragement of a Scottish slate industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for promotion and encouragement of a Scottish slate industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the role of indigenous Scottish slate in preserving the characteristics of historic Scottish buildings. In early November Historic Scotland is co-hosting the Traditional Scottish Roofing Conference and launching two commissioned research studies on the use and potential of Scottish slate. Historic Scotland also funds the Scottish Stone Liaison Group, which brings together players interested in the revitalisation of the Scottish slate and stone industries.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135701,"EventID":"S1O-02437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the review group set up to consider the impact of Part V of the Police Act 1997 in relation to payment for police vetting checks on adult v","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the review group set up to consider the impact of Part V of the Police Act 1997 in relation to payment for police vetting checks on adult volunteers.","AnswerText":"The Review Group set up last year under Jackie Baillie's chairmanship has made good progress. It is hoped that the group will report its conclusions by the end of the calendar year.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135702,"EventID":"S1O-02439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in supporting young people living in communities affected by socially exclusive issues such as drug misuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in supporting young people living in communities affected by socially exclusive issues such as drug misuse.","AnswerText":"Through our social justice policy and initiatives such as Social Inclusion Partnerships, New Community Schools, the New Futures Fund and the Rough Sleepers' Initiative, we are substantially improving opportunities for excluded young people in disadvantaged communities. And we have just recently announced a new £100 million drugs package which includes an additional £21 million for education, support and alternative activities for young people and £5 million for community-based drugs projects in SIPs.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135703,"EventID":"S1O-02442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Health Trusts are applying a sufficient proportion of their budget to the reduction of waiting times.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Health Trusts are applying a sufficient proportion of their budget to the reduction of waiting times.","AnswerText":"Sustainable reductions in waiting throughout the NHS require both investment and reform. Record levels of resources - £481 million more than last year - are being provided to the Health Service in Scotland. A substantial proportion of the additional resource is being used to reduce waiting times at a local level. New ways of waiting are also being developed, for example, by establishing more one-stop clinics and re-designing services from the patient's perspective.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135704,"EventID":"S1O-02444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the provision of specialist nurses and other services for people affected by Parkinson's disease and their carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the provision of specialist nurses and other services for people affected by Parkinson's disease and their carers.","AnswerText":"It is for local NHS Trusts to determine the number of specialist nurses required to meet the locally identified clinical needs of their patients, and to recruit the appropriately qualified nurses. Information on the current number of such specialist nurses is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135705,"EventID":"S1O-02445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that it has no plans to publish league tables of primary school test results.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that it has no plans to publish league tables of primary school test results.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135706,"EventID":"S1O-02446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to respond to calls from people in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth for there to be a new local authority separate from North Lanarkshire Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to respond to calls from people in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth for there to be a new local authority separate from North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerText":"The current local authority boundaries were established in 1996. Local authorities need a period of stability to address the modernisation agenda and to allow them to concentrate on the efficient and effective delivery of services.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135707,"EventID":"S1O-02450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Railtrack and rail operating companies regarding the withdrawal of all direct rail services from Aberdeen to London.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Railtrack and rail operating companies regarding the withdrawal of all direct rail services from Aberdeen to London.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been in daily contact with Railtrack and the train operating companies concerning the operation of all passenger services in Scotland which are affected by the imposition of temporary speed restrictions across the GB railway network.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135708,"EventID":"S1O-02453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I met with representatives of The Scottish Fishermen's Federation in Aberdeen on 30 October. The main issue discussed was the conservation of fish stocks and, in particular, the experience to date with the use of square mesh panels.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135709,"EventID":"S1O-02455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Railtrack regarding rail services in south west Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Railtrack regarding rail services in south west Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Railtrack on a wide range of operational matters.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135710,"EventID":"S1O-02458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects communities to benefit from the recently announced additional funding for the Council for Voluntary Services network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects communities to benefit from the recently announced additional funding for the Council for Voluntary Services network.","AnswerText":"The doubling of funding for Councils of Voluntary Service will enable the Scottish Executive to support the network right across Scotland for the first time. The additional funding will enable local Councils for Voluntary Service to: There are clear community benefits to be gained by increasing the capacity of the voluntary sector infrastructure in this way.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135711,"EventID":"S1O-02459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the rail operating companies and what advice and guidance it has given to the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority since the railway incide","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the rail operating companies and what advice and guidance it has given to the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority since the railway incident at Hatfield.","AnswerText":"Railway safety is a reserved matter. On 30 October I met Railtrack and the train companies operating in Scotland to discuss the impact on Scottish rail services of safety measures applied after the Hatfield accident.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135712,"EventID":"S1O-02461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its response to the Strategic Review of Organic Waste Spread on Land produced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its response to the Strategic Review of Organic Waste Spread on Land produced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in 1998.","AnswerText":"I am aware of public concern about the spreading of organic waste on land. That is why the Scottish Environment Protection Agency was asked to prepare a Strategic Review of these practices. The Executive is currently considering its response to the public consultation on SEPA's recommendations. I hope to make an announcement on this later this year. The results of the consultation are also informing a wider review of the exemptions in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135713,"EventID":"S1O-02466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect and extend GP services in remote and rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect and extend GP services in remote and rural areas.","AnswerText":"In general, GPs serving rural communities receive the same fees and allowances as their urban counterparts. They can also receive support through additional payments and schemes that have been introduced over the years in recognition of the particular circumstances of practice in rural areas. These include schemes to underwrite the income of practices in the most remote areas; to compensate rural GPs for extra travel costs due to the scattered nature of their practice population; and to support eligible single handed GPs through the employment of qualified associates. In addition, the recently established Remote and Rural Resource Centre, based in Inverness, will address problems common to rural health services in all parts of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135714,"EventID":"S1O-02469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken towards the creation of a community legal service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken towards the creation of a community legal service.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Justice announced on 10 October that a working group would be set up to oversee the creation of a Community Legal Service. My officials have had preliminary discussions with interested bodies such as the Citizens Advice Scotland, CoSLA and the Law Society of Scotland and I hope to issue invitations soon to certain bodies to join the working group.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135715,"EventID":"S1O-02470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the Scottish oil industry and what specific issue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the Scottish oil industry and what specific issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"Discussions with UK Ministers and Departments take place on a continuous basis across a wide range of issues, including the oil industry. One major forum for discussion of issues affecting the offshore oil and gas industry is Pilot, a Government/Oil Industry Task Force of which I am Vice-Chair. The most recent meeting of Pilot was on 4 October.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135716,"EventID":"S1O-02471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a scheme will be introduced to help low income families pay their water charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a scheme will be introduced to help low income families pay their water charges.","AnswerText":"Water charges are currently linked to council tax bands; this provides significant protection for a large number of low-income households. Despite this, the Executive recognises that recent increases in charges may have presented some households with difficulties, accordingly we are looking at ways of improving on this existing protection.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135717,"EventID":"S1O-02472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of the targets outlined in Towards a Healthier Scotland, what strategy is in place to achieve a reduction in smoking among young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of the targets outlined in Towards a Healthier Scotland, what strategy is in place to achieve a reduction in smoking among young people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking forward a range of measures to reduce levels of smoking among young people. These include health education and promotion activities such as mass media advertising and Smokeline; a new enforcement package to target underage sales of tobacco and targeted smoking cessation services. A proportion of the additional funding being made available under the £26 million health promotion fund announced on 20 August will also be used for a major drive to cut young people's smoking.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135718,"EventID":"S1O-02477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the British Tourist Authority concerning the promotion of Scotland overseas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the British Tourist Authority concerning the promotion of Scotland overseas.","AnswerText":"I meet regularly with officials of the BTA. Officials of the Scottish Tourist Board work closely with their colleagues in the BTA when planning the marketing of Scotland overseas.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135719,"EventID":"S1O-02480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust regarding the retention of paediatric services at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin and other hospit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust regarding the retention of paediatric services at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin and other hospitals serving rural communities.","AnswerText":"The planning and provision of paediatric services are matters for health boards and NHS Trusts. I understand from Grampian Health Board and Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust that there is no intention to withdraw the paediatric service provided to the people of Moray.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135720,"EventID":"S1O-02481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the Route Action Plan for the A75.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the Route Action Plan for the A75.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to review the output of the A75 Route Action Plan.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135721,"EventID":"S1O-02483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of recent announcements of up to 250 job losses at Fullarton Computer Industries, 78 job losses at GE Caledonian and the transfer of 30 jobs from Troon to B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of recent announcements of up to 250 job losses at Fullarton Computer Industries, 78 job losses at GE Caledonian and the transfer of 30 jobs from Troon to Belfast by Sea Containers, what action it plans to take to stem job losses in Ayr constituency.","AnswerText":"Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) support for all those made redundant will be provided by the local agencies in accordance with the principles set out in the Scottish Executive's PACE framework. Fullarton Computer Industries have advised that no redundancies will take place until the New Year. G E Caledonian remain committed to Prestwick. Sea Containers confirm there were no overall job losses associated with the relocation of Seacat's operating base from Stranraer to Troon in July this year. Similarly, none are planned as part of the relocation of the company's operational base to Belfast, which is a commercial decision by Seacat. Looking to the future, the Scottish Executive is actively involved in the Ayrshire Economic Forum to promote economic regeneration in all of Ayrshire. The forum launched its \"Ayrshire Strategy for Jobs\" in March 1999 to attract more jobs to Ayrshire and to promote growth by indigenous companies.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135722,"EventID":"S1O-02484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that rural communities benefit from the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that rural communities benefit from the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund.","AnswerText":"Around £2 million is available under the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund (SRPF) for 2001-02. The opening of applications against the 2001-02 rounds of the Rural Challenge Fund (RCF) and Local Capital Grants Scheme elements of the SRPF was announced in a news release on 10 October. In addition, on 25 September the Executive distributed a flyer to some 2,500 local bodies and previous applicants to the RCF, giving advance information on the RCF round for 2001-02. The LCGS is also publicised by local authorities, who administer the scheme at the local level. The closing date for applications to the Rural Challenge Fund is 24 November 2000. Those wishing to apply to the Local Capital Grants Scheme should contact their local authority direct. An announcement will be made regarding the Rural Strategic Support Fund - the third element of the SRPF - in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135723,"EventID":"S1O-02485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that Great North Eastern Rail services north of Edinburgh are restored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that Great North Eastern Rail services north of Edinburgh are restored.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in daily contact with GNER about the suspension of its services north of Edinburgh. GNER wrote on 8 November to all MSPs concerned about disruption of services to Aberdeen in order to advise them of its plans for restoring a normal timetable from 13 November.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135724,"EventID":"S1O-02489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate health care is provided for rough sleepers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate health care is provided for rough sleepers.","AnswerText":"Four million pounds has been allocated this year to health boards to support existing rough sleeping initiatives in Scotland. Guidance to health bodies on the needs of homeless people, including rough sleepers, will be issued shortly and a national health and homelessness co-ordinator will be appointed later this year to spearhead further improvements in health care for this vulnerable group.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135725,"EventID":"S1O-02491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to reconsider or review the Police (Scotland) Act 1967.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to reconsider or review the Police (Scotland) Act 1967.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to reconsider or review the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 as a whole, although parts of the Act, such as common police services, as part of the Review of Police and Fire Structures, have been under review or may be subject to review in the course of policy development.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135726,"EventID":"S1O-02503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Railtrack or any other body about facilitating disabled access from the south-bound platform at Lockerbie station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Railtrack or any other body about facilitating disabled access from the south-bound platform at Lockerbie station.","AnswerText":"Legislation on disability discrimination is a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Railtrack and the train operating companies on improving access to rail services in Scotland. I understand that Railtrack is working closely with Dumfries and Galloway Council on securing disabled access at Lockerbie station.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135727,"EventID":"S1O-02504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address present financial difficulties being experienced by the Relatives Association so that it can continue to support the relatives of those within c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address present financial difficulties being experienced by the Relatives Association so that it can continue to support the relatives of those within continuing care establishments.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises that the Relatives Association has the potential to play a valuable role in supporting the friends and relatives of people moving into and residing in continuing care establishments. I have asked my officials to meet members of the association in Scotland to discuss how they might take this forward.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135728,"EventID":"S1O-02505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any problems currently affecting the tourism industry in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any problems currently affecting the tourism industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"These are being addressed by the actions contained in the New Strategy for Scottish Tourism. The industry will also benefit from changes to the structure and linkages of the Scottish Tourist Board, arising from the recent independent review of that body.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135729,"EventID":"S1O-02506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Sport and Culture next proposes to meet representatives of the Scottish Arts Council and what issues are likely to be discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Sport and Culture next proposes to meet representatives of the Scottish Arts Council and what issues are likely to be discussed.","AnswerText":"I plan to meet representatives of the organisations which come within my portfolio, including the Scottish Arts Council, in the near future and will discuss with them a wide range of current issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135730,"EventID":"S1O-02512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to reconsider or review the Police (Scotland) Act 1967.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to reconsider or review the Police (Scotland) Act 1967.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-02491 on 9 November 2000.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135731,"EventID":"S1O-02517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet its target of providing every school pupil with internet access and a personal email address.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet its target of providing every school pupil with internet access and a personal email address.","AnswerText":"We expect that by 2002 all schools will be connected to the internet and that email will be available to all pupils.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135732,"EventID":"S1O-02520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider providing a fast track procedure in the free central heating programme for pensioners who have been diagnosed with terminal illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider providing a fast track procedure in the free central heating programme for pensioners who have been diagnosed with terminal illness.","AnswerText":"A working group has been set up to advise the Executive on the rules for the new scheme. It is considering the question of priority need and the circumstances you describe will be taken into account in the deliberations.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135733,"EventID":"S1O-02522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reviewed the status of the merger between the Scottish Council for Educational Technology and the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reviewed the status of the merger between the Scottish Council for Educational Technology and the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum.","AnswerText":"Learning and Teaching Scotland was formed on 1 July. Professor Tom Wilson has been appointed as Chair and Mike Baughan as Chief Executive along with a further eight board members. Appointments to the Advisory Council will be announced shortly. Officials are keeping me informed of organisational progress made since the merger.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135734,"EventID":"S1O-02524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the future funding of current Rough Sleeper Initiative projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the future funding of current Rough Sleeper Initiative projects.","AnswerText":"Rough Sleeper Initiative projects are currently funded through to March 2002. An announcement on funding after that date will be made after Christmas.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135735,"EventID":"S1O-02525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the potential impact on Scotland's environment of any plans to make mixed oxide fuel for ove","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the potential impact on Scotland's environment of any plans to make mixed oxide fuel for overseas customers at Sellafield.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including environmental issues relating to Sellafield.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135736,"EventID":"S1O-02529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the training given to nursery nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the training given to nursery nurses.","AnswerText":"In January of this year we published Working with Children: A Guide to Qualifications and Careers in Early Education, Childcare and Playwork. The follow-up Action Plan, published in July, describes how we want to work with other bodies to expand the workforce, widen training opportunities and enhance the quality of training. A key element will be the training provided to nursery nurses and this is an issue Ministers will discuss further with the Pre-School and Childcare Advisory Forum.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135737,"EventID":"S1O-02532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support local partnerships which will tackle social exclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support local partnerships which will tackle social exclusion.","AnswerText":"We are providing £150 million to fund 48 Social Inclusion Partnerships over the next three years. Over £1 million is being invested in \"Working Together, Learning Together\" a training programme to improve partnership working and support community involvement in partnerships. In addition, a £90 million Better Neighbourhoods Fund will be launched to improve delivery of services in our most deprived neighbourhoods.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135738,"EventID":"S1O-02540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight is given to the recommendations of planning inquiries when making planning decisions and what costs were incurred by the Executive with regard to the recent A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight is given to the recommendations of planning inquiries when making planning decisions and what costs were incurred by the Executive with regard to the recent Ayr United stadium and retail project applications.","AnswerText":"Full and careful consideration is given to the Reporter's recommendation in every case. The cost of processing these particular applications is estimated to be £39,000.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135739,"EventID":"S1O-02543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its Equality Strategy will assist its drive for social justice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its Equality Strategy will assist its drive for social justice.","AnswerText":"The Equality Strategy sets out how the Executive will tackle the barriers of prejudice and discrimination and address structural inequalities between groups. These principles underpin our drive for social justice.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135740,"EventID":"S1O-02544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage more young people to study science and technology subjects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage more young people to study science and technology subjects.","AnswerText":"The Executive is preparing a Science Strategy which will cover science education. We have also revised guidelines on Science and Technology within the 5-14 programme and made a wider range of technology courses available through the Higher Still programme.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135741,"EventID":"S1O-02545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways it is listening to the concerns of the business community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways it is listening to the concerns of the business community.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to listen closely to the concerns of the business community, which it recognises as key to Scotland's economic success. Following my meetings last week with key leaders of Scotland's business community, I announced that the Executive would focus its support on providing the skills base and physical infrastructure that business needs, with particular emphasis on digital communications.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135742,"EventID":"S1O-02547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled people have been appointed to public bodies since March 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled people have been appointed to public bodies since March 2000.","AnswerText":"The appointments system relies on each individual to disclose whether or not they have a disability. On this basis between 1 April and 30 September 2000 one disabled person was appointed. Appointment statistics are collected on a six-monthly basis.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135743,"EventID":"S1O-02548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-budget statement will be in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-budget statement will be in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Chancellor's cash freeze on all road fuel and oil duties and a carefully targeted package of measures for road transport equivalents worth a 4p real terms cut in duty for motorists and 8p for hauliers will help all road users in Scotland and especially those in rural areas where car usage is essential. In addition all 840,000 pensioners in Scotland will benefit from an above inflation increase in the basic state pension. In addition, increases in the Minimum Income Guarantee will tackle pensioner poverty. Wider measures will promote social inclusion through fiscal measures to regenerate Scotland's urban areas, increasing employment opportunities, supporting families and tackling child poverty. A major new VAT package will ease the burden on many of Scotland's 230,000 small-medium sized enterprises. Scotland has also received a Barnett share of £17.7 million of additional monies for the New Deal for Schools and e-learning for this year.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135744,"EventID":"S1O-02551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the level of health spending in Scotland is rising less rapidly than in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the level of health spending in Scotland is rising less rapidly than in England.","AnswerText":"We get the same £ for £ increase per head of population as England. The Executive's full spending plans are outlined in Investing in You.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135745,"EventID":"S1O-02554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the Scottish Affairs Select Committee report Poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the Scottish Affairs Select Committee report Poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have written to the Secretary of State for Scotland with the Scottish Executive's views on the relevant parts of the Scottish Affairs Committee report Poverty in Scotland. I have made copies of this letter available in SPICe.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135746,"EventID":"S1O-02555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in consulting environmental and community groups on plans to bring telecommunications masts under full planning control.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in consulting environmental and community groups on plans to bring telecommunications masts under full planning control.","AnswerText":"Environmental and community groups were invited to participate in the Planning and Telecommunications summit in September. They will also be included in the forthcoming public consultation exercise.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135747,"EventID":"S1O-02557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet its target of providing every school pupil with Internet access and a personal e-mail address.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet its target of providing every school pupil with Internet access and a personal e-mail address.","AnswerText":"We expect that by 2002 all schools will be connected to the Internet and that e-mail will be available to all pupils.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135748,"EventID":"S1O-02560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional resources are being made available for the ambulance service in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional resources are being made available for the ambulance service in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service is funded to provide services across Scotland. This year's allocation is £94.3 million - up £4.1 million on last year. The allocation includes £500,000 specifically for 20 more frontline staff in Glasgow, and a further £485,000 to train 75 more paramedics across Scotland. Areas round Glasgow will benefit from deployment of extra frontline staff in the south and east of the city. And of course the ambulance service regularly reviews performance in all health board areas, including Lanarkshire, to ensure that it is providing the services people need.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135749,"EventID":"S1O-02561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the proportion of candidates sitting Higher exams who sit Higher Mathematics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the proportion of candidates sitting Higher exams who sit Higher Mathematics.","AnswerText":"The proportion of Higher candidates sitting Mathematics has remained consistent at nearly 34% over the past five years.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135750,"EventID":"S1O-02562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve the quality of passenger rail services in terms of overcrowding and how overcrowding on trains is defined.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve the quality of passenger rail services in terms of overcrowding and how overcrowding on trains is defined.","AnswerText":"The day to day management of overcrowding is principally a contractual matter for SSRA. The Scottish Executive will highlight the need to reduce overcrowding on key routes in its \"Strategic Priorities for Scottish Passenger Railways\" to be issued shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135751,"EventID":"S1O-02567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to voluntary groups working with the families of drug users.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to voluntary groups working with the families of drug users.","AnswerText":"Funding for such groups is a matter for decision locally, primarily by local organisations such as local authorities and health boards. A number of Social Inclusion Partnerships are also providing help and support to families of drug misusers from the £2 million we announced for local drug misuse work in January. Within the £100 million drug funding package announced recently, £21 million is for young people and families. Some of this will be used for supporting the families of drug misusers. Details have still to be decided.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135752,"EventID":"S1O-02570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being introduced to improve the childcare sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being introduced to improve the childcare sector.","AnswerText":"The Executive is to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of childcare provision through a range of initiatives. These include: pre-school education with investment of over £130 million a year providing places for all four-year-olds and over two thirds of three-year-olds; New Opportunities Fund investment of £22.5 million which is expected to provide out of school places for 100,000 children by 2003; improved regulation arrangements underpinning our commitment to good quality childcare provision and to children's safety; and we are on track to achieve our workforce target to train 5,000 new childcare workers by 2002.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135753,"EventID":"S1O-02572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle bullying in the workplace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle bullying in the workplace.","AnswerText":"Robust grievance and disciplinary procedures are in place to address the question of bullying in the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135754,"EventID":"S1O-02574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the \"Quango Watchdog\" envisaged by the First Minister, as referred to in his Scotsman article on 15 November 2000, will include cross-party representatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the \"Quango Watchdog\" envisaged by the First Minister, as referred to in his Scotsman article on 15 November 2000, will include cross-party representatives.","AnswerText":"Our overriding objective is to ensure value for public money for the people of Scotland. That is why our starting point will be to ask the fundamental \"why\" question of every public body. Each body will need to demonstrate that it should continue to exist and that it carries out its functions effectively and efficiently. The details of how we intend to take this forward, and what mechanisms will be put in place, will be announced before Christmas.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135755,"EventID":"S1O-02575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it intends to make to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the use of additional tax revenue being received as a result of high oil prices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it intends to make to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the use of additional tax revenue being received as a result of high oil prices.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including Budget-related issues. The Budget is, of course, the appropriate time to set spending policy, not on an ad hoc basis in response to short-term fluctuations in the price of a commodity such as oil.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135756,"EventID":"S1O-02577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional finance it intends to make available in 2000-01 and 2001-02 to local authorities to subsidise local bus services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional finance it intends to make available in 2000-01 and 2001-02 to local authorities to subsidise local bus services.","AnswerText":"Grant-aided expenditure (GAE) for bus support is £21.349 million in 2000-01. However, GAE allowances are not spending limits or targets. Grant allocations for each local authority for the next three years will be announced next month. Ultimately it is for each council to determine its expenditure on subsidising bus services from within its total resources.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135757,"EventID":"S1O-02582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made since July with regard to the dispersal of civil service jobs to Tayside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made since July with regard to the dispersal of civil service jobs to Tayside.","AnswerText":"I will be making an announcement about the preliminary examinations of organisations referred to in Mr Jack McConnell's parliamentary answer S1W-8578 of 6 July once this work has been completed.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135758,"EventID":"S1O-02597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to increase employment opportunities for people aged 50 and over.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it proposes to take to increase employment opportunities for people aged 50 and over.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on the funding and delivery of the New Deal, although in close consultation with its partners, including the Scottish Executive. The New Deal 50plus offers personal advice, job search support and an Employment Credit to people over 50 who are looking for work. The Executive also supports the Department for Education and Employment's Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment, which calls upon all employers to tackle age discrimination. Training for Work, the Scottish Executive's training programme for long-term unemployed adults over the age of 25, is currently being reviewed. Our consultation document includes a proposal to extend entry to all unemployed people aged 50 and over.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135759,"EventID":"S1O-02598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct tests similar to those being carried out at Newcastle General Hospital into a new drug treatment for mesothelioma patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct tests similar to those being carried out at Newcastle General Hospital into a new drug treatment for mesothelioma patients.","AnswerText":"The Executive encourages patient entry into clinical trials but has no locus in setting these up.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135760,"EventID":"S1O-02606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why parents are not offered a choice between separate injections of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and the combined MMR vaccination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why parents are not offered a choice between separate injections of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and the combined MMR vaccination.","AnswerText":"The licensing and safety of medicines is a reserved matter. The vaccination policy in the UK for mumps, measles and rubella is to use the combined MMR vaccine, except where a patient cannot receive the combined vaccine for clinical reasons.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135761,"EventID":"S1O-02607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The then Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning formally met the full board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise in February this year, and a wide range of subjects, including the Enterprise Networks Review, Assisted Areas, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Infectious Salmon Anaemia and Tourism were discussed. There have been a number of less formal contacts on a variety of issues involving Executive Ministers and officials and office bearers of HIE since then.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135762,"EventID":"S1O-02612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to balance the interests of the timber production industry and the protection of the environment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to balance the interests of the timber production industry and the protection of the environment.","AnswerText":"Following extensive consultation with many parties, including timber producers and environmental bodies, we have just published our Scottish Forestry Strategy. This includes details of our strategic directions and priorities for action. These are intended to maximise the value of Scottish timber to the Scottish economy, while also ensuring that Scotland's trees, woods and forests make a positive contribution to our environment.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135763,"EventID":"S1O-02614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise the guidance it offers to fostering and adoption agencies on assessing prospective clients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise the guidance it offers to fostering and adoption agencies on assessing prospective clients.","AnswerText":"We aim to publish a new code of practice to help local authorities improve their recruitment, selection and assessment of foster carers early next year. We are currently involved in discussion on the development of UK national standards for adoption and will be assessing the implications for current guidance in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135764,"EventID":"S1O-02618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help promote social inclusion and partnership in Clydebank.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help promote social inclusion and partnership in Clydebank.","AnswerText":"Our Social Justice Annual Report sets out the action we are taking to promote social inclusion across all of Scotland, including Clydebank.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135765,"EventID":"S1O-02620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1908,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":4,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is putting in place to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is putting in place to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer Andy Kerr to the answer given to question S1W-11307 on 17 November, regarding publication of a Scottish Climate Change Programme detailing measures in devolved areas to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135766,"EventID":"S1O-02622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the difference was in per capita health spending between Scotland and England in 1997-98 and what it will be by the year 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the difference was in per capita health spending between Scotland and England in 1997-98 and what it will be by the year 2003-04.","AnswerText":"On a cash basis, actual Scottish health expenditure per head in 1997-98 was £147 more than in England. Planned expenditure per head for 2003-04 is £194 greater than England.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135767,"EventID":"S1O-02626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the Scottish Qualifications Authority to discuss the school examination appeals process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the Scottish Qualifications Authority to discuss the school examination appeals process.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in close touch with SQA about their progress with the appeals process and has also discussed with them their arrangements for dealing with concerns about the outcome of appeals.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135768,"EventID":"S1O-02627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken since 13 January 2000 to ensure that French beef in the Scottish marketplace conforms to the same standards laid down for home-produced beef.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken since 13 January 2000 to ensure that French beef in the Scottish marketplace conforms to the same standards laid down for home-produced beef.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is advised by the Food Standards Agency on food safety matters. On 1 October this year more stringent BSE-related controls were applied across the EU regarding the removal of specified risk material (SRM) from cattle for human consumption. It is illegal to sell beef in the UK, for human consumption, from animals over thirty months old that come from countries with a risk of BSE. Potential risks to consumers from imported beef are being closely monitored. The agency has issued guidance to enforcement authorities throughout the UK requesting that checks on all documentation which accompanies consignments of imported beef are stepped up. The agency has welcomed yesterday's further proposals from the Commission. These reflect current UK controls and provide effective protection for consumers against the spread of BSE across Europe. The agency will be checking progress on the key issues of when these new controls are introduced and the effectiveness of enforcement measures. The agency will provide further advice on the safety of imported beef directly to the Scottish Executive, as well as to other UK administrations.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135769,"EventID":"S1O-02628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it liaises with Her Majesty's Government on issues relating to asylum seekers resident in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it liaises with Her Majesty's Government on issues relating to asylum seekers resident in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135770,"EventID":"S1O-02633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is dealing with burkholdaria cepacia outbreaks in children's hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is dealing with burkholdaria cepacia outbreaks in children's hospitals.","AnswerText":"There has for long been comprehensive central guidance on the prevention of infection in hospital, most recently revised in 1998 in the form of the Scottish Infection Manual. This guidance contains a chapter on the prevention of infection in "Units of High Potential Risk", which include certain paediatric units, and indicates specific measures to be put in place in addition to the standard infection control precautions. The importance of reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infection generally is recognised and the Executive has recently established a working group to examine this whole area.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135771,"EventID":"S1O-02639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmers and crofters have become bankrupt over the last 12 months and whether it will provide an estimate of the numbers who will become bankrupt over each of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmers and crofters have become bankrupt over the last 12 months and whether it will provide an estimate of the numbers who will become bankrupt over each of the next two 12 month periods.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer I gave to question S1W-11027 on 22 November 2000. Each year the number of sequestrations among Scottish farmers is very small. Most farmers leaving the industry, as a result of financial pressure, do so in an orderly way by selling up and realising their assets. I expect this still to be the case over the next two years.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135772,"EventID":"S1O-02646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue matriculation cards to school pupils who are over 16 in order to put them on an equal footing with students of the same age who are in further educa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue matriculation cards to school pupils who are over 16 in order to put them on an equal footing with students of the same age who are in further education.","AnswerText":"Matriculation cards are issued by individual colleges. Their similar use in schools would therefore be a matter for schools or local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135773,"EventID":"S1O-02649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it issues to public bodies such as health boards concerning the release of information to MSPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it issues to public bodies such as health boards concerning the release of information to MSPs.","AnswerText":"Executive NDPBs have to operate the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information which came into force on 1 July 1999. NHS organisations, including health boards, must subscribe to the Code of Practice on Openness in the NHS in Scotland and also the Code of Practice on the Confidentiality of Personal Health Information.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135774,"EventID":"S1O-02650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance its Rural Affairs Department is giving to crofters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance its Rural Affairs Department is giving to crofters.","AnswerText":"In the last financial year, spending on support exclusively or mainly for crofters amounted to just over £7.2 million. In addition, crofters received a share of almost £95 million spent in support of agricultural activity in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135775,"EventID":"S1O-02651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the voluntary sector will be supported in utilising information and communications technology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the voluntary sector will be supported in utilising information and communications technology.","AnswerText":"On 23 November, I announced a £1.5 million funding package over three years for information and communications technology in the voluntary sector. This will build on the £0.5 million made available this year. This will promote Internet access, website development, and the necessary support and technical assistance to operate new technology effectively.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135776,"EventID":"S1O-02652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for multiple sclerosis sufferers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for multiple sclerosis sufferers.","AnswerText":"Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy may give symptomatic relief to some multiple sclerosis sufferers, there is no clinical evidence to suggest that it is in any way effective in arresting the progress of multiple sclerosis. There is therefore no national policy or national arrangements for the provision of this therapy.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135777,"EventID":"S1O-02653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to co-ordinate expert advice in the promotion of better public health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to co-ordinate expert advice in the promotion of better public health.","AnswerText":"On 3 July this year I announced the establishment of the Public Health Institute for Scotland. The Institute will focus and co-ordinate efforts to improve public health. In addition the Chief Medical Officer's Leadership Group on Public Health, formed earlier this year, contributes expert advice on public health matters. We are currently considering further measures to improve co-ordination, and hence impact, of our work in public health. The Scottish Health Plan will address some of these issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135778,"EventID":"S1O-02654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct an audit of facilities and budgets for chronic pain relief in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct an audit of facilities and budgets for chronic pain relief in the NHS.","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to conduct such an audit.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135779,"EventID":"S1O-02657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the New Deal for Young People in Scotland has performed to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the New Deal for Young People in Scotland has performed to date.","AnswerText":"Figures to end September 2000 show that 60,900 young people had joined the New Deal programme and 29,200 had secured jobs, of which 21,800 were sustained.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135780,"EventID":"S1O-02658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider publishing the results from the Home Energy Conservation Act reports collected this year from local authorities in a more accessible, league tabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider publishing the results from the Home Energy Conservation Act reports collected this year from local authorities in a more accessible, league table, format, showing improvements to date and average carbon dioxide output in the residential sector, per capita and per household, for each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to publish their reports under the Home Energy Conservation Act. We will be publishing a report on their progress generally in working towards their HECA targets under a range of headings including those described. The report will give some examples of good practice but will not comprise a league table.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135781,"EventID":"S1O-02675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it proposes to allocate funding announced in August 2000 for the Powershift programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it proposes to allocate funding announced in August 2000 for the Powershift programme.","AnswerText":"A total of £125,000 has been made available for vehicle conversions in urban areas, and £265,000 for this purpose in rural areas. The latter have been defined as areas over 30 minutes drive from places with 10,000 of a population. Funds for vehicle conversions in urban areas will be increased if the allocation for rural areas is not fully taken up.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135782,"EventID":"S1O-02677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input black and ethnic minority communities will have to the inquiry to be led by Dr Raj Jandoo to review liaison with victims' families in the justice system in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input black and ethnic minority communities will have to the inquiry to be led by Dr Raj Jandoo to review liaison with victims' families in the justice system in the light of the experience of the Chhokar family.","AnswerText":"It will be for Dr Jandoo to determine the extent and form of the input that he seeks during his inquiry. I understand he intends to consult with representatives of the ethnic minority communities and his remit requires him to consult with the Chhokar family and their representatives and the Commission for Racial Equality.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135783,"EventID":"S1O-02680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is with regard to relief on water charges for community halls and charitable organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is with regard to relief on water charges for community halls and charitable organisations.","AnswerText":"I understand that, following a consultation exercise, the authorities are considering their position with regard to the remaining reliefs for charitable organisations. When the authorities have reached a decision, they will write as soon as possible to all the organisations involved.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135784,"EventID":"S1O-02681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce unemployment in North Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce unemployment in North Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"We will continue to work with all local agencies to encourage business development and to ensure that the Ayrshire workforce has the necessary skills to suit labour market requirements within the area.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135785,"EventID":"S1O-02682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the rail network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the rail network.","AnswerText":"In July the Deputy Prime Minister announced a 10-year investment programme for the railways of £60 billion. Over the last two years a total of £50 million of Public Transport Fund and Freight Facilities Grant has been committed to rail projects in Scotland. On 28 November, the Scottish Executive published its consultation paper on the strategic priorities for Scotland's passenger railways, which set out the Executive's vision and key objectives.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135786,"EventID":"S1O-02687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the rates payable under the Farm Woodlands Premium Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the rates payable under the Farm Woodlands Premium Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to alter the rates payable under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme. There is a statutory requirement to review the rates every five years and that review is now underway.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135787,"EventID":"S1O-02689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Children and Young People Safety Initiative implemented by Strathclyde Police in conjunction with South Lanarkshire council has been a success and what steps ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Children and Young People Safety Initiative implemented by Strathclyde Police in conjunction with South Lanarkshire council has been a success and what steps it will take to promote such initiatives elsewhere.","AnswerText":"The evaluation report which was published in 1998 certainly paints a very positive picture. The vast majority of the communities in which the initiative operated were very supportive of its aims and effectiveness. It is, of course, an operational matter for individual Chief Constables in association with their local authority to determine whether such measures provide the means to address issues of particular concern in their areas.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135788,"EventID":"S1O-02690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to contribute financially to a Scottish bid to host the Euro 2008 football championships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to contribute financially to a Scottish bid to host the Euro 2008 football championships.","AnswerText":"Consideration will be given to the nature and level of Scottish Executive support for a bid for the Euro 2008 football championships once a decision has been taken by the Scottish Football Association on whether or not it intends to bid for the championships.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135789,"EventID":"S1O-02692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what controls on learning providers have been established to ensure equity of charging on Individual Learning Account approved learning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what controls on learning providers have been established to ensure equity of charging on Individual Learning Account approved learning.","AnswerText":"We are seeking to ensure that Individual Learning Account holders have the information they need to make an informed decision about the learning that best suits their needs. Amongst the factors influencing their choice will be value for money so the learndirect scotland database includes a field inviting learning providers to give price details. This transparency should encourage competitive pricing.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135790,"EventID":"S1O-02695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Social Justice last met representatives of Scottish Homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Social Justice last met representatives of Scottish Homes.","AnswerText":"I met the Chair, Chief Executive and other senior officials of Scottish Homes on 27 November to review their performance against ministerial targets in the current year. I had a further meeting with the Chief Executive on 5 December.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135791,"EventID":"S1O-02698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place Milestone House under the auspices of the National Services Division given its role as the national provider of care for HIV and AIDS sufferers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place Milestone House under the auspices of the National Services Division given its role as the national provider of care for HIV and AIDS sufferers.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to place Milestone House under the auspices of the National Services Division. The future of Milestone House is a matter for Lothian Health Board, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Waverley Care Trust to decide.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135792,"EventID":"S1O-02702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that specialist nurses are appointed to all hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that specialist nurses are appointed to all hospitals.","AnswerText":"The recruitment of nursing staff is primarily a matter for individual NHS Trusts but the Scottish Executive has funded an additional 210 nurses for specialist training in priority areas this winter.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135793,"EventID":"S1O-02704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to match supply and demand in the labour market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to match supply and demand in the labour market.","AnswerText":"Ensuring the best possible match between supply and demand in the labour market is crucial for Scotland's future prosperity. A key role of the new Scottish Labour Market Intelligence Unit will be to improve the availability, both nationally and locally, of information and intelligence about current and future labour demand.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135794,"EventID":"S1O-02705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial resources will be made available to support the Scottish Forestry Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial resources will be made available to support the Scottish Forestry Strategy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has allocated £92.1 million to the Forestry Commission over the three years 2001-02 to 2003-04. In addition, the Rural Affairs Department is expected to spend £18 million on the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme, SNH will support several projects including the Central Scotland Countryside Trust, and Scottish Enterprise is planning to invest up to £15 million in priority projects.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135795,"EventID":"S1O-02706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review major incident planning following the derailment of the passenger train at Mossend, Lanarkshire and any delays in summoning the emergency serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review major incident planning following the derailment of the passenger train at Mossend, Lanarkshire and any delays in summoning the emergency services.","AnswerText":"It is standard practice for all of the emergency services themselves to review any major incident and thereafter make any necessary amendments, additions or enhancements to procedures. Outcomes will be notified to the Scottish Executive either through the Strathclyde Emergencies Co-ordinating Committee - on which all of the emergency services are represented - or through the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) Standing Working Group on Emergency Procedures. The Executive attend both of these groups. Account will be taken of any lessons for major incident planning generally.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135796,"EventID":"S1O-02707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the level of personal debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the level of personal debt.","AnswerText":"Tackling debt is a key element of the Scottish Executive's Social Justice agenda and we have been working in partnership with a wide range of organisations to improve the financial services available to people on low incomes. Measures being developed or under consideration include: - Arrangements to provide free, high quality money advice for all who need it; - Encouragement of the provision and use of basic bank accounts; - Delivering wider access to low cost credit through the development of credit unions; - Provision of low cost insurance with rent schemes. The Executive is also providing active support to moves by the Department of Trade and Industry to improve lending practices of credit providers and transparency of information provided to consumers.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135797,"EventID":"S1O-02718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what can be done to improve the way emergency services respond to 999 calls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what can be done to improve the way emergency services respond to 999 calls.","AnswerText":"The respective emergency services operate to set standards or target times in responding to emergency calls. These are kept under constant review and every effort is made to maintain and, where possible, improve levels of response.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135798,"EventID":"S1O-02719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that ethnic minorities have access to mainstream services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that ethnic minorities have access to mainstream services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Equality Strategy, which was launched on 6 November, sets out a framework of action for taking forward the Executive's commitment to equality, including the mainstreaming of equality into policy development, service design and delivery. The Race Equality Advisory Forum will also present action plans to Ministers shortly with recommendations to tackle institutional racism and promote race equality in areas such as health, education, housing and local government.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135799,"EventID":"S1O-02722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at the EU Conference on Regional Policy and the Information Society to be held in Lyon on 16 December.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at the EU Conference on Regional Policy and the Information Society to be held in Lyon on 16 December.","AnswerText":"The conference being held in Lyon between 18-19 December is not an Inter-Governmental meeting and the Executive will not be represented. We welcome the aims of conference to discuss the development of the information society within the context of eEurope with a view to influencing structural policies at the European level. We are fully aware of the significance of the information society to Scotland's economic and social development. Indeed, our own Digital Scotland initiative, which is being given high priority within the Executive, shares similar objectives to eEurope, particularly on accelerating access to the Internet and promoting social inclusion.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135800,"EventID":"S1O-02724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of Procurators Fiscal in Glasgow and to monitor the impact of any increases in workload within the criminal justice administratio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of Procurators Fiscal in Glasgow and to monitor the impact of any increases in workload within the criminal justice administration system.","AnswerText":"The number of Procurators Fiscal in Glasgow has increased over this year, with three additional deputes. A further depute and five precognition officers have just been added to the structure and will be in place by early January. The resource planning process which will set staffing levels and other resource allocations from April 2001 onwards is under way, and will be completed early next year. During that process current and projected workload statistics, including an increase in reports of serious crime in Glasgow, will be carefully taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135801,"EventID":"S1O-02725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage skilled and experienced nurses to remain in frontline work in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage skilled and experienced nurses to remain in frontline work in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has already demonstrated its belief that an investment in staff is an investment in patient care. Last year's pay award for nurses was implemented in full, without staging with particular targeted awards for 8,500 of our most experienced nurses who received 7.8% or more than £100 per month. We realise that pay is not the only factor in encouraging skilled and experienced nurses to remain in frontline work in the NHS in Scotland and that is why guidance on family friendly policies which will address issues such as flexible working, childcare and breast feeding will be issued in the New Year. Through the Education and Training Strategy we are also investing in the skills of staff to help them perform their roles and duties and develop their full potential. In addition I have announced the creation of nine new consultant nurse posts bringing the total to 12 in Scotland. This will enable highly skilled experienced and motivated nurses to move up the career ladder whilst remaining in frontline work.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140454,"EventID":"S1W-03530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources were granted to agri-environment schemes in 1998-99 and 1999-2000; what the planned level of support for agri-environment schemes in 2000-01 and 2001-02 is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources were granted to agri-environment schemes in 1998-99 and 1999-2000; what the planned level of support for agri-environment schemes in 2000-01 and 2001-02 is; whether the current planned level of support for such schemes in 2000-01 and 2001-02 has changed from the level of support planned for this period as at 1 July 1999 and, if so, by how much.","AnswerText":"The resources granted to agri-environment schemes in 1998-99 were £12.602 million and £18.641 million in 1999-2000. Provision is £20.167 million for 2000-01 and £21.467 million is available for 2001-02. There have been no changes to the planned level of support since 1 July 1999.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140463,"EventID":"S1W-03539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #43 million new monies made available to social work in Scotland for the year 2000-01 has been allocated to Glasgow and where this ranks Glasgow in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #43 million new monies made available to social work in Scotland for the year 2000-01 has been allocated to Glasgow and where this ranks Glasgow in the table of these new resources allocated to local authorities for social work spending across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council has been allocated 4.35% of the additional £43 million which has been made available for social work in 2000-01. This is the sixth largest share.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140468,"EventID":"S1W-03544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the landfill sites where tritium leachate has been identified and when it expects the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's work in identifying th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the landfill sites where tritium leachate has been identified and when it expects the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's work in identifying the sources to be completed.","AnswerText":"The results of the monitoring for tritium in landfill leachate during 1998 are published in the Radioactivity in Food and the Environment, 1998 report (RIFE - 4). An extract from the relevant table containing this information is reproduced below. Area Location Aberdeen City Ness Tip City of Edinburgh Braehead City of Glasgow Summerston Tip Clakmannanshire Black Devon Dundee City Riverside East Dunbartonshire Birdston Tip Fife Balbarton Fife Melville Wood Highland Longman Tip North Lanarkshire Dalmacoulter North Lanarkshire Kilgarth Stirling Lower Polmaise Levels of tritium leachate from landfill are of very low radiological significance. SEPA is currently working on a study to determine the likely source of tritium within the landfill leachate. It is likely to be some time before the findings of this study will be available.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140469,"EventID":"S1W-03545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the case submitted to Her Majesty's Government regarding Scotland's defence in relation to VAT on tolls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the case submitted to Her Majesty's Government regarding Scotland's defence in relation to VAT on tolls.","AnswerText":"The arguments advanced by the United Kingdom Government at the European Court are summarised in the official Report for the Hearing (Case C-359/97) prepared by the Judge-Rapporteur. A copy of that report is being placed in the Parliament's Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140470,"EventID":"S1W-03546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are currently being taken by the Executive or by local authorities to stamp out illegal money lending by \"loan sharks\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are currently being taken by the Executive or by local authorities to stamp out illegal money lending by \"loan sharks\".","AnswerText":"Consumer protection is a reserved matter and therefore the responsibility of the UK Government. The Scottish Executive is addressing financial exclusion through a variety of measures, which includes support for credit unions as one way of improving access to low-cost credit.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140471,"EventID":"S1W-03547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in each health board area in Scotland who were referred for a hospital appointment by their GP in the last year received an appointment date w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in each health board area in Scotland who were referred for a hospital appointment by their GP in the last year received an appointment date which was within nine weeks of their referral date.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table. PERCENTAGE OF PATIENTS WHO RECEIVED THEIR FIRST OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENT WITHIN NINE WEEKS FOLLOWING A GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONER/GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONER REFERRAL IN THE YEAR ENDING 31 SEPTEMBER 19991 HEALTH BOARD PERCENTAGE Argyll and Clyde 65 Ayrshire and Arran 73 Borders 74 Dumfries and Galloway 65 Fife 58 Forth Valley 60 Grampian 60 Greater Glasgow 61 Highland 74 Lanarkshire 59 Lothian 65 Orkney 90 Shetland 87 Tayside 64 Western Isles 67 1 The Scottish Executive is providing over £5 million in 2000-01 to local authorities for in-service development and training of staff working with pupils with special educational needs, including dyslexia. £1 million of this funding is directed towards staff working with pupils in the early years of primary school.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140474,"EventID":"S1W-03550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports a policy of asking patients to pay for treatment deemed not essential, as outlined by Dr Maclean, medical director of Tayside University Hospitals NHS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports a policy of asking patients to pay for treatment deemed not essential, as outlined by Dr Maclean, medical director of Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to providing a publicly funded National Health Service in Scotland free at the point of delivery. The NHSiS aims to provide patients with the highest and most modern standards of care. Record levels of resources have been made available to allow a wide range of treatments and services, including highly specialised and complex treatments, to be provided on an equitable basis to those who require them.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140475,"EventID":"S1W-03551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has taken over five months to establish the steering group to implement the recommendations of The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry: An Action Plan for Scotland as announc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has taken over five months to establish the steering group to implement the recommendations of The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry: An Action Plan for Scotland as announced by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 July 1999.","AnswerText":"The time taken reflects extensive consultation with the Commission for Racial Equality on the membership of the group and the careful consideration given to the matter within the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140476,"EventID":"S1W-03552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken steps to investigate any significant deviations between local authorities in average spend per secondary school pupil, taking into account si'e of sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken steps to investigate any significant deviations between local authorities in average spend per secondary school pupil, taking into account si'e of school and, if so, what the outcome of those investigations is.","AnswerText":"The detailed decisions on levels of school funding are matters for individual education authorities and depend on a range of factors and local circumstances which they will take into account. Accordingly, we do not investigate authorities' school expenditure decisions. No guidelines about levels of spending per pupil exist, and we have no plans to issue such guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140477,"EventID":"S1W-03553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued or intends to issue any mandatory requirements or guidelines in relation to local authority spending per secondary school pupil taking into account ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued or intends to issue any mandatory requirements or guidelines in relation to local authority spending per secondary school pupil taking into account si'e of school.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to Question S1W-3552.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140478,"EventID":"S1W-03554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult the Scottish Ambulance Service, the relevant trade unions and other appropriate medical specialists with a view to extending the categories of hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult the Scottish Ambulance Service, the relevant trade unions and other appropriate medical specialists with a view to extending the categories of health professionals qualified to administer the drug Naloxone/Nacran, the antidote for heroin and methadone, to include ambulance technicians.","AnswerText":"Medicines Control is a reserved matter dealt with on a UK-wide basis by the Medicines Control Agency. The Scottish Executive does not, therefore, intend to consult separately on changes to the Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Order 1997. These changes would be necessary to extend the categories of health professionals who can administer injectable prescription only medicines, including Naloxone, on their own initiative.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140479,"EventID":"S1W-03555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why oncology patients in the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow are having to wait up to 24 weeks for ultrasound examinations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why oncology patients in the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow are having to wait up to 24 weeks for ultrasound examinations.","AnswerText":"South Glasgow University Hospitals Trust has taken steps to reduce the waiting list for ultrasound examinations. Full details are available from the Trust. The Scottish Executive is committed to improving waiting times, addressing all stages of a patient's care pathway through the Health Service. Over the coming months we will be working with the NHS across Scotland to establish national maximum waiting times to be met by March 2001 in the three national priorities of heart disease, cancer and mental illness.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140480,"EventID":"S1W-03556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why oncology patients suffering stomach and intestinal problems are having to wait up to 24 weeks for a barium x-ray diagnosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why oncology patients suffering stomach and intestinal problems are having to wait up to 24 weeks for a barium x-ray diagnosis.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer S1W-3560.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140481,"EventID":"S1W-03557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to reduce waiting times for oncology patients requiring x-ray examinations in Glasgow hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to reduce waiting times for oncology patients requiring x-ray examinations in Glasgow hospitals.","AnswerText":"North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust has taken a number of steps to reduce waiting times for oncology patients both for diagnostic and therapeutic services, including extending its working week by 20 hours and the appointment of an extra half-time consultant radiologist. Further information is available on request from the Trust. The Scottish Executive is committed to improving waiting times, addressing all stages of each patient's care. Over the coming months we will be working with the NHS across Scotland to establish national maximum waiting times to be met by March 2001 in the three national priorities of heart disease, cancer and mental illness.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140482,"EventID":"S1W-03558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preventative action it is taking to reduce the incidence of cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preventative action it is taking to reduce the incidence of cancer.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is determined to face the challenges posed by cancer. We have pledged to tackle the root causes of ill health and work over the next 10 years to promote healthier living and reduce mortality from cancer by 20%. Specific initiatives designed to address these pledges and the Scottish Executive's approach to public health generally are set out in the White Paper, Towards a Healthier Scotland, a copy of which has been placed in SPICe. This is a challenging and wide ranging programme including: The substantial additional investment in public health and health promotion, announced in the Scottish Parliament on 22 March, will further strengthen our efforts to help reduce the incidence of cancer in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140483,"EventID":"S1W-03559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the likely impact is on patient mortality of having to wait 24 weeks for an ultrasound scan or barium x-ray diagnosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the likely impact is on patient mortality of having to wait 24 weeks for an ultrasound scan or barium x-ray diagnosis.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer S1W-3560.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140484,"EventID":"S1W-03560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why waiting times for ultrasound examinations and barium x-ray diagnosis vary across Scotland and what impact different waiting times have on patient outcomes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why waiting times for ultrasound examinations and barium x-ray diagnosis vary across Scotland and what impact different waiting times have on patient outcomes.","AnswerText":"Health boards and NHS Trusts have to plan and deliver services which meet the needs of their local population within the resources allocated to them and taking account of national and local priorities. A patient may require an ultrasound examination or barium x-ray for various clinical reasons, and the priority attached to each case is a matter for the clinical judgement of the doctor concerned. The impact on patient outcomes from differing waiting times for these investigative/diagnostic procedures would depend on the nature of the patient's condition at the time of referral. The Scottish Executive is committed to improving waiting times, addressing all stages of a patient's care pathway through the Health Service, and to creating greater equity of access across the country. As I announced in Parliament on 16 December, we will be working with the NHS across Scotland over the coming months to establish national maximum waiting times, to be met by March 2000, in the three national clinical priorities of heart disease, cancer and mental illness.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140485,"EventID":"S1W-03561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of radiology equipment in each of Scotland's health boards is more than ten years old and what the time scale is for replacing such equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of radiology equipment in each of Scotland's health boards is more than ten years old and what the time scale is for replacing such equipment.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally by the Scottish Executive. The prime responsibility for assessing the need for and the timetable for provision of all medical equipment falls to individual NHS Trusts. In reaching their decisions they should take account of the age and condition of the equipment. In addition £12.5 million is being made available through the Capital Modernisation Fund for the replacement of linear accelerators. This funding will be made available over three years. Proposals from the relevant NHS Trusts are currently being assessed. The Scottish Executive has asked the Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee to develop proposals for a framework for capital investment in clinical radiology equipment in the National Health Service in Scotland. This will inform the Scottish Executive Health Department's capital investment plans.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140486,"EventID":"S1W-03562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for modernising its procurement of goods, works and services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for modernising its procurement of goods, works and services.","AnswerText":"I have announced today the establishment of a Supervisory Board which will consider how the Executive should respond to the challenges of new markets, techniques and technology in its dealings with suppliers. I am delighted that John F McClelland, Senior Vice President of 3Com, a global IT company, has accepted my invitation to Chair the Board. The fact that we have appointed someone of his standing from the private sector underlines our commitment to listen, to learn and to be open to new ideas. The Board will include senior representatives drawn from across the Executive, helping us develop common strategies to address common issues. In view of the possibilities for collaboration across the wider public sector, the Board will include representatives from the Health Service and local authorities, as well as two other successful senior managers from the Scottish business community. It is important that the Executive takes full advantage of developments in areas such as e-commerce. Establishment of the Board will help us achieve this. Our aim, for the benefit of both taxpayers and suppliers, is to become a modern, model customer, saving money and improving the products and services we procure.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140487,"EventID":"S1W-03563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest position is as regards the licensing of butchers' shops in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest position is as regards the licensing of butchers' shops in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Final proposals for licensing butchers' shops have now been lodged with the European Commission. They take into account many of the comments provided by the consultation exercise earlier this year. There is now a mandatory three month lying period to allow for comment by Member States, after which the Regulations will be presented for parliamentary consideration. I still aim for a scheme to be in place in late summer 2000.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140488,"EventID":"S1W-03564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to health boards for 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to health boards for 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Health Boards have been given a unified budget of £4100.307m, an increase over 1999-2000 of 5.39%. Details of each Health Board's allocations are as follows: Col. 1 Col 2 Col 3 Total Unified Budget Percentage Increase in Unified Budget Non-Cash Limited Family Health Services Health Board £m % £m Argyll & Clyde 358.820 5.42 51.449 Ayrshire & Arran 306.020 5.25 43.080 Borders 88.751 5.32 12.605 Dumfries & Galloway 128.738 5.23 17.223 Fife 266.800 5.62 36.499 Forth Valley 214.578 5.56 30.108 Grampian 383.820 5.25 56.240 Greater Glasgow 772.366 5.41 115.328 Highland 172.872 5.36 27.440 Lanarkshire 430.153 5.46 60.915 Lothian 571.511 5.41 86.252 Orkney 16.887 4.71 2.862 Shetland 20.172 5.06 2.870 Tayside 337.926 5.37 46.251 Western Isles 30.893 4.79 4.267 TOTAL Previous distribution Revised distribution £m 1999-2000 2000-01 1999-2000 2000-01 ESWA 70.5 76.0 80.5 66.0 WoSWA 85.4 90.9 95.4 80.9 NoSWA 51.0 50.0 46.0 55.0 Total EFL 206.9 216.9 221.9 201.9 Health Board Area 1997 1998 1999 3 of Treatment Percentage of births induced Argyll and Clyde 28.9 27.7 30.1 Ayrshire and Arran 20.5 23.2 27.0 Borders 16.3 19.0 22.2 Dumfries and Galloway 16.5 22.0 21.0 Fife 24.4 24.0 23.8 Forth Valley 29.5 30.0 36.1 Grampian 18.9 22.7 25.2 Greater Glasgow 26.7 31.5 34.0 Highland 27.9 26.6 Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts / Other Cardiac Surgery (principal) operations; Waiting List admissions showing number and average wait by Health Board of residence for year ended 30 September 19991 Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts3 (OPCS4 K40-44) Other Cardiac Surgery4 (K25-35) Area of Residence2 wait (days) wait (days) no mean median no mean median Scotland 1,941 163 138 508 130 90 Argyll and Clyde 154 147 140 44 104 82 Ayr & Arran 110 83 91 34 79 63 Borders 30 202 187 10 148 153 Dumfries &","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140493,"EventID":"S1W-03569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died in 1998-99 while on a waiting list for cardiac surgery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died in 1998-99 while on a waiting list for cardiac surgery.","AnswerText":"In the year ending 31 March 1999, the provisional figure for the number of people who died while on a waiting list for cardiac surgery is 67. Because the data do not include cause of death, it cannot be assumed that death was due in every case to coronary heart disease. The Coronary Heart Disease Task Force is satisfied that arrangements are in place for the active management of patients on cardiac surgery waiting lists. The issue of deaths on the waiting list for cardiac surgery was highlighted in the report of the Acute Services Review, which took it as an indication that the aim should be to treat disease at a less advanced stage and minimise delays that were leading to avoidable illness and death. That is why the Scottish Executive considers it important to establish national waiting times for this clinical priority.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140494,"EventID":"S1W-03570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for introducing Health Action Zones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for introducing Health Action Zones.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans. The broad strategy for improving health in Scotland was set out in the White Paper Towards a Healthier Scotland, the principles of which were endorsed by the Scottish Parliament last September.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140495,"EventID":"S1W-03571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assaults were carried out against NHS staff in each of 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 and what measures are being implemented to reduce the incidence of such assau","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assaults were carried out against NHS staff in each of 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 and what measures are being implemented to reduce the incidence of such assaults.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of assaults is not held centrally. As part of the recently published Occupational Health and Safety Service strategy for NHSiS staff, employers are required to implement policies based on risk assessment aimed at reducing violent incidents in the workplace. Linked to this Strategy, £0.5 million has been made available to NHSiS employers to introduce new measures to support this initiative. To assist employers to develop policies, Guideline Development Groups have been set up under the NHS in Scotland Partnership Forum to provide guidelines and model policies for use across Scotland on personal safety and harassment.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140496,"EventID":"S1W-03572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance paramedics were trained in each of 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance paramedics were trained in each of 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows: 1996-97 88 1997-98 103 1998-99 80 In determining its future training requirements the Scottish Ambulance Service continues to have regard to its objective of having a paramedic on every front-line accident and emergency ambulance.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140497,"EventID":"S1W-03573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the average length of time, in days, spent in hospital by mothers after the birth of (a) their first child and (b) subsequent children in the years 1990-91, 1994","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the average length of time, in days, spent in hospital by mothers after the birth of (a) their first child and (b) subsequent children in the years 1990-91, 1994-95 and 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The table below shows the average length of time, in days, spent in hospital after the birth of the first child and subsequent children in the years 1990-91, 1994-95 and 1998-99. There has been a gradual reduction in the length of time spent in hospital by post- natal mothers, which reflects changed practices. This has also responded to the wishes of mothers to leave hospitals earlier and to the change of policy in providing more post- natal care by midwives in the community. However the provision of care is based on a flexible approach and mothers who feel they would benefit from a longer stay can do so. Length of post-natal stay (days) 1990-91 1994-5 1998-99 All maternities 3.9 3.3 2.9 First maternities 4.6 4.1 3.6 Other maternities 3.2 2.7 2.4 Notes: 1. Maternities are defined as pregnancies which result in a live or stillbirth, multiple pregnancies counting only as one. 2. Excludes maternities delivered at home or at non-NHS hospitals. 3. The figures for 1998-99 are as yet provisional. Fawcett, D and van Vessen J (1995), Lead poisoning in Waterfowl: International update report 1995, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Report No 252. JNCC, Peterborough. Kulvenhoven P and van Vessem J (1997), Lead poisoning in Waterbirds: International update report, Unpublished Wetlands International Report. Mateo R Martinez-Vialta, A and Guitart R (1997), "Lead shot pellets in the Ebro Delta, Spain: densities in sediments and prevalence of exposure in waterfowl", Environmental Pollution 96, pp. 335-341. Pain D J (Editor) (1992), Lead Poisoning in Waterfowl. Proceedings of an International Workshop, Brussels, Belgium, 13-15 June 1991, IWRB Special Publication No 16. Scheuhammer A M and Norris S L (1995), A review of the environmental impacts of lead shot shell ammunition and lead fishing weights in Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Occasional Paper No 88. More detailed research on this particular issue has been undertaken within the EU, UK and Scotland. The most relevant of which is: Mudge G P (1983), "The incidence and significance of ingested lead pellet poisoning in British Wildfowl", Biological Conservation, 27, pp. 33-372. Other studies include: Beck N and Ganval, P (1987), "Ingestion de plombs de chasse par la Becassine des marais Gallinago gallinago et la Becassine sourde Lymnocryest minimus dans le Lord-ouest de la France", Gibier Faune Sauvage/Game Wildlife: In press. Bellorse F C (1959), "Lead poisoning as a mortality factor in waterfowl populations III", Natural History Survey Bulletin, 27(3), pp. 235-288. Bowler, J M and Hugest B, (1997) Biological monitoring of lead shot replacement in the UK, final report of pilot study, unpublished, Wetlands Advisory Service report to DoE, WWT, Slimbridge (in prep). Degtyarev A G (1996), Incident of lead shot ingestion in waterfowl and cranes of Yakutia, Ibid., pp. 25-27. Grand J B, Flint P L, Petersen M R and Moran C L (1998), "Effect of lead poisoning on spectacled elder survival rates", Journal of Wildlife Management, 62(3), pp. 1103-1109. Hohman W L, Pritchert R D, Pacell R M, Woolington D W and Helm R (1990), "Influence of ingested lead on body mass of wintering canvasbacks", Journal of Wildlife Management, 54(2), pp. 211-215. Mateo R, Martinez-Vilalta A, Dolz J C, Bellure J, Serrano J M A, Guitart R (1994), "Estudio de la problematica del plumbismo en aves acuticas de diferentes humedales espanoles", ICON, pp. 196. Mateo R, Bellure Jm, Dolz J C, Agullar J M and Guitart R (1997), "An peizotic of lead poisoning in greater flamingos. Phoenicopterus ruber roseus in Spain", Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 33, pp. 131-134. Mateo R, Molina R, Grifols J and Gruitart R (1997),"Lead poisoning in a free range griffon vulture Gyps fulvus", Vet Rec, 140, pp. 47-48. Pain D J (1992), "Lead poisoning of waterfowl: a review" in Lead poisoning in waterfowl (editor D J Pain), IWRB Special Publication No 16, Slimbridge UK. Spray C J and Milne H (1988), "The incidence of lead poisoning among Whooper and Mute Swans Cyngus cygnus and Color in Scotland", Biol","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140499,"EventID":"S1W-03575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been undertaken into the blood levels of trapped wild fowl.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been undertaken into the blood levels of trapped wild fowl.","AnswerText":"Lead levels in wildfowl blood have been investigated in a range of studies throughout the world. These are listed below: Anderson W L and Havera S P (1985), "Blood lead, protoporphyrin and ingested shot for detecting lead poisoning in wildfowl", Wildlife Society Bulletin, 13, pp. 26-31. Dieter M P and Finley M T (1978), "Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme activity in blood, brain and liver of lead-dosed ducks", Environmental Resources, 19, pp. 127-135. Hall S L and Fisher F M (1985), "Lead concentrations in tissues of marsh birds: relationships of feeding habitats and grit preference to spent shot ingestion", Bulletin of Environmental Contaminant Toxicology, 35, pp. 1-8. Madsen H H T, Kkjorn T, Jorgensen P J and Grandjean P (1988), "Blood lead levels in patients with lead shot retained in the appendix", Acta Radiol, 29, pp. 745-746. Osweller G D, van Geldeer G A and Buck W B (1978), "Epiderminology of lead poisoning in animals" in Toxicity of heavy metals in the environment (editor F W Dehme), Marcel Dekker, New York. In Scotland, when acute poisoning incidents occur, investigations into the particular cause and poisoning level are carried out.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140500,"EventID":"S1W-03576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any evidence of dead birds being washed ashore in wardened coastal reserves or elsewhere.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any evidence of dead birds being washed ashore in wardened coastal reserves or elsewhere.","AnswerText":"I am advised that dead birds are regularly washed up along the coast. The cause of bird mortality will vary depending on the location and time of year.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140501,"EventID":"S1W-03577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional aggregate external finance Glasgow City Council would receive in 2000-01 and how much its guideline figure would increase by if it was awarded the ave","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional aggregate external finance Glasgow City Council would receive in 2000-01 and how much its guideline figure would increase by if it was awarded the average percentage increase for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Had Glasgow received the average increase in Aggregate External Finance in the provisional allocations announced on 15 December its allocation would have increased by £21.0m over the current year. The final AEF figures for 2000-01, including the allocation of £15 million additional for policy priorities, will be announced in the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2000 next month. Had Glasgow's expenditure guideline for 2000-01 increased compared with its current guideline in line with the Scottish average, it would have increased by £34.5 million. The City Council's actual guideline allows for it to increase spending over its budgeted expenditure for the current year by £41.4 million. Allocations from the Special Deprivation Payment (from which Glasgow will receive £3 million) and the £15 million still to be allocated have been disregarded for the purposes of calculating councils' spending guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140502,"EventID":"S1W-03578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full time equivalent posts, if any, will be lost in Scottish local government, by local authority, as a result of the recently announced local government financ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full time equivalent posts, if any, will be lost in Scottish local government, by local authority, as a result of the recently announced local government financial settlement for 2000-01.","AnswerText":"I would refer Mr Gibson to the reply given to Mr Harding on 13 January in response to question S1W-3488.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140503,"EventID":"S1W-03579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve council tax collection rates by (a) discontinuing joint billing of water and sewerage charges with council tax; (b) allowing the statutory in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve council tax collection rates by (a) discontinuing joint billing of water and sewerage charges with council tax; (b) allowing the statutory instalment scheme to commence in April; (c) allowing local authorities to issue a combined reminder and final notice; (d) giving councils the right to refuse to sell council housing to tenants with outstanding council tax arrears; (e) giving councils the right to bill and collect rent and council tax jointly and (f) implementing other recommendations made in the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' recently published report It Pays to Pay.","AnswerText":"The report, It Pays to Pay, is a joint CoSLA/Scottish Executive paper. It was published on 22 December 1999, and we are considering these and other recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140504,"EventID":"S1W-03580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to discuss with Her Majesty's Government the implementation of recommendations in the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' recently published repor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to discuss with Her Majesty's Government the implementation of recommendations in the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' recently published report It Pays to Pay which relate to reserved matters.","AnswerText":"The report, It Pays to Pay, was jointly prepared by a CoSLA/Scottish Executive officials working group. It was published on 22December 1999 and we are considering the recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140505,"EventID":"S1W-03581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies, if any, have been conducted into the impact on employment following the construction of an out-of-town retail development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies, if any, have been conducted into the impact on employment following the construction of an out-of-town retail development.","AnswerText":"The former Scottish Office published research into the impact of Edinburgh's Gyle Centre, in July 1996. This covered retail and transport effects as well as the impact on employment.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140506,"EventID":"S1W-03582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the National Planning Policy Guideline No 8 to be observed at all times or whether it considers that exceptions to these guidelines can be made and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the National Planning Policy Guideline No 8 to be observed at all times or whether it considers that exceptions to these guidelines can be made and, if so, under what circumstances would adherence to them be waived.","AnswerText":"Planning decisions should be made in accordance with the provisions of the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. National Planning Policy Guideline 8 is an important material consideration, which indicates that planning permission should be refused where developments are not consistent with the development plan and cannot meet all the considerations listed in paragraph 45 of the Guideline.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140507,"EventID":"S1W-03583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects approvals of applications for the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme to be re-started after its announcement of a delay in such approvals on 3 December 1999 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects approvals of applications for the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme to be re-started after its announcement of a delay in such approvals on 3 December 1999 and what action it is taking to ensure that the European Commission makes this delay as short as possible.","AnswerText":"The Commission has up to six months to approve the Scottish Rural Development Plan submitted on 29 December 1999 which includes the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme. The Scottish Executive will play its full part in the negotiations during this period.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140508,"EventID":"S1W-03584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding granting consent to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to proceed with the redevelopment of the Aviemore Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding granting consent to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to proceed with the redevelopment of the Aviemore Centre.","AnswerText":"Negotiations between Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the developers are at an advanced stage. An announcement will be made as soon as all outstanding matters have been concluded.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140509,"EventID":"S1W-03585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a list of all the independent members or assessors who have sat on interview panels for appointments to public bodies in Scotland over the last five years, wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide a list of all the independent members or assessors who have sat on interview panels for appointments to public bodies in Scotland over the last five years, with an indication of how often each individual sat.","AnswerText":"The names of all the independent advisers who have been appointed to the central panel of independent advisers, (established in July 1996), and the names of all appointees to the NHS Health Appointments Advisory Committee (established in 1994) are shown in the lists below. All the appointments were made by Scottish Office Ministers before 1 July 1999. Scottish Executive Ministers have not appointed any independent assessors. Information about how many times individual assessors have sat on interview panels for appointments to public bodies in Scotland is not held centrally. The Executive has embarked upon a wide-ranging consultation exercise, which invites views on the current public appointments system and possible options for change. Independent scrutiny is a key element of the appointments process and the consultation paper seeks views on the role and appointment of independent assessors, including consideration of whether the composition of appointments panels should vary according to the nature/type of appointments. CENTRAL PANEL OF INDEPENDENT ADVISERS: Professor Kathleen J Anderson Professor Tom Anderson Dr Tom Begg Professor Ewan Brown Mr Ian Collie Mr Andrew Cubie *Mrs Christine Davis *Mr Alastair Dempster Mr George Esson Sir Charles Fraser *Lady Marion Fraser Mr Ian Grant Councillor Charles Gray *Miss Mary Hartnoll *Mrs Deirdre Hutton Mr Roger Kent Mr Neil McIntosh *Ms Jane McKay Mr Hugh MacLean Dr Calum MacLeod Councillor Duncan McPherson *Professor Kathleen Marshall Ms Anne Mearns *Lord Provost Eric Milligan Mr Garth Morrison *Mr Frank Pignatelli Mrs Winifred Sherry Professor Sir William Stewart Mr Ernie Walker * Period of appointment September 1998 - 30 June 2002. All other appointments made in July 1996 for a four year term. HEALTH APPOINTMENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Mr Norman Irons (Chair) Dr Anthony Toft Councillor Jean McFadden Rt. Reverend Mario Conti Mr Hugh Morison","AnswerDate":"2000-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140510,"EventID":"S1W-03586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to detail the budget set aside to cover the costs of its National Cultural Strategy consultation process, including for the publication of documents and holding of meetin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to detail the budget set aside to cover the costs of its National Cultural Strategy consultation process, including for the publication of documents and holding of meetings.","AnswerText":"Costs incurred to date on consultation on the National Cultural Strategy amount to £51,000.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140511,"EventID":"S1W-03587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to answer outstanding questions S1W-1364 and S1W-1366, lodged on 2 September 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to answer outstanding questions S1W-1364 and S1W-1366, lodged on 2 September 1999.","AnswerText":"PQ's S1W-1364 & S1W-1366 were answered on the 17 January.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140512,"EventID":"S1W-03588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Glasgow City Council's expenditure guideline figure for 2000-01 has been increased by less than the Scottish average.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Glasgow City Council's expenditure guideline figure for 2000-01 has been increased by less than the Scottish average.","AnswerText":"Each council's expenditure guideline figure is calculated on the basis of its increase in Grant-Aided Expenditure and loan charge support. The distribution of GAE, as stated in my reply to Mr Gibson's earlier question (S1W-3398), is based on a formula assessment of councils' relative expenditure needs agreed with CoSLA. Although Glasgow City Council's increase in loan charges support for 2000-01 was above average, its increase in GAE was below average, largely because of the continuing phasing in of revised Social work GAE indicators and the normal redistributive effects on a number of other service assessments within the agreed formula approach. As Glasgow's GAE increase was the most significant component in the calculation of its guideline, this resulted in Glasgow having a correspondingly lower than average guideline increase.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140513,"EventID":"S1W-03589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it estimates the proposal by Greater Glasgow Health Board to close the maternity unit at the Queen Mother's Hospital while retaining the units at Glasgow Roya","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it estimates the proposal by Greater Glasgow Health Board to close the maternity unit at the Queen Mother's Hospital while retaining the units at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Southern General Hospital would have on (a) the number of staff employed in maternity units in Greater Glasgow Health Board area; (b) the average number of hours worked per week by staff employed in maternity units in Greater Glasgow Health Board area; (c) the number of induced births and (d) the average time spent in hospital by mothers giving birth.","AnswerText":"It is for Greater Glasgow Health Board to determine how to organise services to meet the health care needs of the local population. Such provision must take account of declining numbers of births and changes in provision across the country, which reflect a shift in balance towards community provision. Further details are available from Greater Glasgow Health Board. In considering the provision and configuration of maternity services, local Health Boards are expected to take account of the 1993 Policy Review of the Provision of Maternity Services in Scotland. This recommended a move to increasing the choice for the woman, greater continuity of care and a move to midwife led care while at the same time maintaining the safety of both mother and baby.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140514,"EventID":"S1W-03590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact of an aggregates tax on jobs and the environment in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the impact of an aggregates tax on jobs and the environment in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made a number of representations to HM Government on a wide range of issues including the aggregates tax.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140515,"EventID":"S1W-03591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow City Council will receive additional grant-aided expenditure funding to deal with the accommodation costs for Kosovo refugees until such time as these cos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow City Council will receive additional grant-aided expenditure funding to deal with the accommodation costs for Kosovo refugees until such time as these costs are reimbursed by the Home Office; whether the Home Office have provided the necessary funds to Glasgow City Council and if not, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to find out why.","AnswerText":"Proposals for a Special Grant to reimburse Scottish local authorities for additional expenditure incurred in connection with the acceptance of displaced persons from Kosovo under the UNHCR Humanitarian Evacuation Programme were sent to local authorities for consultation on 10 December. The consultation period ended in January. We are expecting to lay a Special Grant Report before Parliament on 14 February for this purpose. Subject to Parliamentary approval, grants should be paid in the current financial year. The total amount of grant in 1999-2000 is expected to be £4.9 million, and this is being met in full by the Treasury's UK Reserve.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140516,"EventID":"S1W-03592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce its proposals for the next Census in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce its proposals for the next Census in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Our proposals for the Census in Scotland on 29 April 2001 are contained in the draft Census (Scotland) Order 2000 which I have laid before Parliament today. In deciding which topics to cover we have consulted widely, and taken full account of Scottish circumstances, the UK Government's proposals made in March in the White Paper (Cm 4253), and all representations made to us since the May elections. The draft Order balances the cases made for specific topics by Census users against the public acceptability of the questions, whether or not they can be asked in a way that gives reliable information, and alternative methods of collecting information. In addition to the questions asked in the 1991 Census, we propose to ask new questions on carers, general health and the year of last employment. Other questions will be extended - for example the question on workplace and means of travel to work will not just cover those working but will also cover students and schoolchildren for their place of study. The question on ethnicity will be extended to cover mixed ethnic groups. The question on relationships within households will collect additional information beyond the relationship to the head of household which allows more detailed family and household classifications to be used in Census results. A number of cases for questions have been rejected after careful consideration. We concluded that there is not a sufficiently strong case in Scotland to collect information on religion through the Census to supplement the proposed question on ethnic group. Nevertheless, we are alive to concerns expressed about religious discrimination. That is why in developing our Equality Strategy we will work to foster tolerance and promote understanding of religious beliefs and practices. As part of the wider research and information strategy on equality and social inclusion we will undertake further work such as sample surveys to provide better information about minority cultural sub-groups. In taking that forward we will consult with the Commission for Racial Equality, the Scottish Inter Faith Council and others. We have also decided not to propose a question on personal income. Despite strong support for the question from a number of users, we have concluded that the inclusion of an income question would mean that the risk to the overall response to the Census was unacceptably high. There is also doubt about the quality of the information that could be collected. Recognising the strength of support for this topic we intend to pursue further the availability of DSS benefit data for small areas and other ways of producing estimates of income by area. The proposals for the 2001 Census laid before the Parliament today will provide a wealth of priority statistical information on Scotland, local and health authorities, and local communities which will underpin the development and monitoring of policies by the Scottish Parliament and other bodies in the new millennium.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140517,"EventID":"S1W-03593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest advice is issued from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest advice is issued from the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee.","AnswerText":"The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) last met on 29 November. Their advice was made publicly available at a press briefing on 22 December. Copies are now available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). On the two main issues considered at the meeting, SEAC advised no change to the over 30 month rule at this time, and also that the ban on the feeding of porcine meat and bone meal in poultry feed should continue. The Scottish Executive has accepted this advice.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140518,"EventID":"S1W-03594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1677 by Sarah Boyack on 29 November 1999, when it will bring forward proposals to \"sharpen up the planning process\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1677 by Sarah Boyack on 29 November 1999, when it will bring forward proposals to \"sharpen up the planning process\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-2768.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140519,"EventID":"S1W-03595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-906 by Mr Frank McAveety on 25 August 1999, when it will issue the consultation paper on the Report of the Commission on Local Gove","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-906 by Mr Frank McAveety on 25 August 1999, when it will issue the consultation paper on the Report of the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament, which will include a section on community councils.","AnswerText":"Our paper Report of the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament: the Scottish Executive's Response was issued on 27 September 1999. The paper sought views on a number of issues raised by the Commission and we are considering the responses received from local authorities, community councils and others.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140520,"EventID":"S1W-03596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-905 by Sarah Boyack on 12 October 1999, whether it intends to review the guidelines for delegated powers, and how it will ensure th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-905 by Sarah Boyack on 12 October 1999, whether it intends to review the guidelines for delegated powers, and how it will ensure that delegation is uniform across local authorities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans. Local Authorities are distinct corporate bodies whose powers and duties are set out in statute and they are separate from the Scottish Executive. They are responsible for ensuring that they act lawfully in managing their day to day business.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140521,"EventID":"S1W-03597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1169 by Henry McLeish on 9 September 1999, when it will bring forward further proposals for minimising the regulatory burdens on bu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1169 by Henry McLeish on 9 September 1999, when it will bring forward further proposals for minimising the regulatory burdens on business.","AnswerText":"I launched the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit (IRIS) on 24 November 1999. The IRIS unit will pursue business concerns about the burden of regulation and will work closely with small business representative groups to ensure that the particular needs of small businesses are kept to the forefront of policy making throughout the Executive. My officials in the IRIS Unit will soon be arranging the first of a series of meetings I plan to have with business across the country to hear at first hand about the regulatory problems they are encountering.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140522,"EventID":"S1W-03598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2937 by Nicol Stephen on 2 December 1999, whether the meeting between Henry McLeish and the new head of Kvaerner Oil and Gas has ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2937 by Nicol Stephen on 2 December 1999, whether the meeting between Henry McLeish and the new head of Kvaerner Oil and Gas has taken place and, if so, what was the outcome, and whether the Minister intends to make a statement on the uncertainty facing the Methil yard.","AnswerText":"My officials have been in close touch with Kvaerner, and I propose to meet the company in July when I hope to discuss the future of the Methil fabrication yard and Kvaerner's proposals for its offshore businesses based in Aberdeen. The future of the Methil yard remains uncertain and my officials are working with the company and other agencies to identify options that will ensure that the life of the yard is extended.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140523,"EventID":"S1W-03599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Social Inclusion Partnerships do not have monies allocated specifically for housing regeneration and where such partnerships are located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Social Inclusion Partnerships do not have monies allocated specifically for housing regeneration and where such partnerships are located.","AnswerText":"Scottish Homes and local authorities are active partners in Social Inclusion Partnerships and contribute as appropriate to housing regeneration programmes. The resources specifically allocated to Social Inclusion Partnerships under the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund are not used for housing regeneration programmes.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140524,"EventID":"S1W-03600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage the elimination of \"postcode\" discrimination in relation to a variety of issues including employment and credit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage the elimination of \"postcode\" discrimination in relation to a variety of issues including employment and credit.","AnswerText":"Employment law and financial services regulation are both reserved matters. We would consider any specific proposals which fall within the Executive's responsibilities if details are supplied.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140525,"EventID":"S1W-03601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1898 by Sarah Boyack on 25 October 1999, when the final report of the National Goose Forum will be published, what provisions have ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1898 by Sarah Boyack on 25 October 1999, when the final report of the National Goose Forum will be published, what provisions have been made for community consultation in relation to the report's recommendations and what timescale will exist for their implementation.","AnswerText":"Ministers have considered the final report of the National Goose Forum and have agreed that it should be published as a consultative document, which I expect will take place next month. As intimated in my answer to question , I envisage a two-month consultation period, during which time we will arrange for the report to be available to interested parties, including the Parliament's relevant committees. In relation to implementation, our aim is to have a new policy framework to manage the interaction between Scotland's goose populations and agricultural interests in place for the winter of 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140526,"EventID":"S1W-03602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage the Automobile Association to include the promotion of Scottish tourist attractions in its Benefits Guide which is distributed to its nine milli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage the Automobile Association to include the promotion of Scottish tourist attractions in its Benefits Guide which is distributed to its nine million members.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Tourist Board but they are currently in discussion with the Automobile Association.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140527,"EventID":"S1W-03603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-855 by Susan Deacon on 16 December 1999, to detail the research into prostate cancer funded by the Scottish Executive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-855 by Susan Deacon on 16 December 1999, to detail the research into prostate cancer funded by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"Last year, the Scottish Executive funded 20 cancer-related research projects with a total value of nearly £2.2 million, and allocated some £4.7 million general funding to the NHS in Scotland in support of other cancer studies. Although this research may not be specific to prostate cancer research, the findings of the studies will be relevant. Details of these studies are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in SPICe.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140528,"EventID":"S1W-03604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of its response to the European Union proposal to delay implementation of the beef labelling system established under EC Regulation 820/97.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of its response to the European Union proposal to delay implementation of the beef labelling system established under EC Regulation 820/97.","AnswerText":"I attended the EU council meeting in December at which the proposals for a compulsory beef labelling scheme were deferred by the EU until 1 September 2000. I support the introduction of a mandatory beef labelling scheme that would provide clear information to consumers as soon as is practicable. Officials from my department are participating in discussions within the EU on the new regulations.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140529,"EventID":"S1W-03605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3200 on 24 December 1999 by Ross Finnie, whether it plans to introduce any measures in connection with the labelling of meat and me","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3200 on 24 December 1999 by Ross Finnie, whether it plans to introduce any measures in connection with the labelling of meat and meat products with the country of origin and, if so, what form these measures will take.","AnswerText":"As explained in my answer of 24 December 1999 to a related question from Irene McGugan, the Scottish Executive issued a consultation paper seeking views from interested parties on this matter. Responses to the consultation exercise are being considered with a view to amending the Guidance Notes on the Food Labelling Regulations to clarify and strengthen the guidance relating to country of origin. No change to the Regulations themselves is proposed.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140530,"EventID":"S1W-03606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive it will extend the consultation on the proposed regulation covering the river Ythan nitrate vulnerable 'one to include all potentially affected land holders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive it will extend the consultation on the proposed regulation covering the river Ythan nitrate vulnerable 'one to include all potentially affected land holders.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Adam to my answer to S1W-3607","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140531,"EventID":"S1W-03607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the consultation period for the proposed regulation covering the river Ythan nitrate vulnerable 'one.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the consultation period for the proposed regulation covering the river Ythan nitrate vulnerable 'one.","AnswerText":"We do not propose to extend the period of formal consultation about the terms of the proposed designation of the Ythan catchment as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. The consultation paper on the proposed designation was widely publicised. It was sent to a large range of organisations and made available in local Rural Affairs Department and National Farmers Union offices and in public libraries. Responses from any person will be taken into account. We also expect to undertake a further formal consultation later in the year about proposed Regulations for the action programme rules which farmers would be required to follow within the Zone.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140532,"EventID":"S1W-03608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been lost at Stracathro Hospital, Angus over the past year and in which departments these job losses occurred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been lost at Stracathro Hospital, Angus over the past year and in which departments these job losses occurred.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust. I expect local Trusts to consult fully with staff on service developments.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140533,"EventID":"S1W-03609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job losses are proposed for the coming year at Stracathro Hospital, Angus and in which departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job losses are proposed for the coming year at Stracathro Hospital, Angus and in which departments.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Welsh to my answer to his question S1W 3608.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140534,"EventID":"S1W-03610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3010 by Lord Hardie on 21 December 1999, whether the Crown Office was advised by the Ministry of Defence as to whether all of the s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3010 by Lord Hardie on 21 December 1999, whether the Crown Office was advised by the Ministry of Defence as to whether all of the software defects in the Chinook FADEC system were removed by the time the FADEC system went into production.","AnswerText":"The information which Crown Office obtained from the Ministry of Defence focussed on whether there were any defects in the FADEC system which could conceivably have contributed to the crash. The Ministry of Defence explained that there were no such defects. As I explained in my answer to question S1W-2002, and repeated in my answer to question S1W-3471, the allegations in relation to the FADEC software were considered fully by the House of Commons Defence Committee in March 1998 and that Committee concluded that there was no evidence to support claims that design flaws in the aircraft or its components (including the FADEC system) contributed to the crash.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140535,"EventID":"S1W-03611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a sustainable life campaign in Scotland similar to the \"Are You Doing Your Bit?\" campaign run by the Department of Environment, Transport an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a sustainable life campaign in Scotland similar to the \"Are You Doing Your Bit?\" campaign run by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and, if there is to be such a campaign, what level of funding it will receive.","AnswerText":"I have commissioned research into the types of campaigning that would most effectively influence people to act in an environmentally sustainable way. When this research is complete I will consider whether the Executive should run a campaign in Scotland similar to the "Are You Doing Your Bit?" campaign run by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and what level of funding to devote to any such campaign.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140536,"EventID":"S1W-03612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider classifying manic depression as a life-threatening illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider classifying manic depression as a life-threatening illness.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no intention to classify manic depression as a life-threatening illness. If a patient is suffering from a mental disorder to such a degree that it is necessary for their health and safety or for the protection of other persons, the patient can be admitted to hospital under the terms of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140537,"EventID":"S1W-03613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request Her Majesty's Government to obtain from the Department of Trade and Industry, North East of England, figures of the number of Borders workers form","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request Her Majesty's Government to obtain from the Department of Trade and Industry, North East of England, figures of the number of Borders workers formerly employed by Viasystems and employed by Viasystems North Tayside over the past 17 months, and to obtain a breakdown of these figures on a month by month basis with these numbers categorised under the heads \"managerial\" and \"non-managerial\".","AnswerText":"The Department of Trade & Industry obtain appropriate information from the company to allow them to monitor the investment project which they are assisting on North Tyneside.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140538,"EventID":"S1W-03614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate the possibility of introducing an early retirement scheme for farmers and crofters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to investigate the possibility of introducing an early retirement scheme for farmers and crofters.","AnswerText":"An early retirement scheme for farmers and crofters was one of a number of options included in a wide-ranging consultation exercise early in 1999. The response to that exercise demonstrated mixed views on an early retirement scheme. There is now a further opportunity for views to be offered on an early retirement scheme. I have recently announced a further consultation exercise on a package of measures which could be funded under the new EU Rural Development Regulation. These measures include investments in holdings, training, forestry, marketing and processing, diversification, support to Less Favoured Areas and provision of an early retirement scheme. I will review the position as soon as possible after the consultation closes on 21 February.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140539,"EventID":"S1W-03615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail what action is being taken to tackle any welfare problems of caste ewes and whether it is considering (a) issuing legally binding notices to vets t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail what action is being taken to tackle any welfare problems of caste ewes and whether it is considering (a) issuing legally binding notices to vets to give them powers to address any welfare problems and (b) enhancing existing animal welfare legislation to make neglect a more serious offence.","AnswerText":"All welfare problems which come to light are dealt with as a matter of urgency. Advice is given to the responsible person on appropriate measures to alleviate suffering, and where such advice is not acted upon, the case can be referred to the Procurator Fiscal for consideration of prosecution should the circumstances so warrant. Enforcement of welfare on farm is a matter for the State Veterinary Service acting on behalf of the Scottish Executive. Under the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 officers are fully authorised to enter premises to inspect animals and to offer advice on how to improve the welfare of the livestock concerned. Where necessary, there are measures under the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 to allow animals to be taken into care to prevent further suffering. The seriousness of animal neglect and cruelty is already well recognised in statute. The level of penalty imposed on any proven offence is a matter for the courts.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140540,"EventID":"S1W-03616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been for fraudulent housing benefit claims, and in which local authority areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been for fraudulent housing benefit claims, and in which local authority areas.","AnswerText":"Housing benefit is an issue reserved to Westminster. When local authorities undertake prosecutions, they act as agents for the Department of Social Security. The Scottish Executive does not itself collect figures on these prosecutions.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140541,"EventID":"S1W-03617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3269 by Mr Jack McConnell on 27 December 1999, what amount or percentage of District Court activity was related to Road Traffic off","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3269 by Mr Jack McConnell on 27 December 1999, what amount or percentage of District Court activity was related to Road Traffic offences.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to breakdown District Court activity by time or effort in this way. As a broad indicator, the table below compares the number of persons proceeded against in district courts for motor vehicle and other offences. The table excludes cases where the motoring offence is a secondary offence, and fiscal fines and police conditional offers, which are collected, but not imposed, by the courts. 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Non motor vehicle offences 45,669 46,685 46,176 44,155 39,569 Motor vehicle offences 33,524 30,291 26,497 27,656 25,560 Motor vehicle offences as % all offences 42% 39% 36% 39% 39% All offences 79,193 76,976 72,673 71,811 65,129 The Parliament's Education Service also used the facility on the 22 June 1999 for a "video surgery" between the Deputy First Minister and a group of pupils from Kirkwall Grammar School, Orkney. The Education Service hopes to develop this aspect of its work in the future, particularly with remote schools. Video conferencing facilities were recently used by the Member and South of Scotland Members for a public meeting from the Parliament Headquarters to Langholm, Dumfriesshire.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140547,"EventID":"S1W-03623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has taken to promote the use of the video conferencing facilities in the Parliament buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has taken to promote the use of the video conferencing facilities in the Parliament buildings.","AnswerText":"Promotion of video conferencing facilities has been limited. We plan to address this in the near future and could use global e-mails plus possibly enlist the help of WHISP. A paper to the Convener Liaison Group in December 1999 proposed greater use of video conferencing and other ICT facilities in committee work, and this is being taken forward through discussions with conveners.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140548,"EventID":"S1W-03624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has commissioned any study into the comparative costs of travel by members to meetings and use of video conferencing faci","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has commissioned any study into the comparative costs of travel by members to meetings and use of video conferencing facilities.","AnswerText":"No, but the SPCB is keen to ensure the most efficient and effective use of available resources and would encourage members always to consider use of video conferencing facilities as an alternative to travel. Parliament staff will shortly issue further guidance on use of the Parliament's own facilities.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140549,"EventID":"S1W-03625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what video conferencing facilities are available to Ministers and officials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what video conferencing facilities are available to Ministers and officials.","AnswerText":"There are video conferencing facilities in each of the main Scottish Executive buildings in Edinburgh and Glasgow. These are available for use by Scottish Ministers and officials of the Executive. In addition there are facilities in the offices of the Scotland Office in Dover House, London, which are available for use by Scottish Ministers and Scottish Executive officials when required; and Ministers may use the video conferencing suite in the Parliament Committee Chambers at George IV Bridge provided for MSPs.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140550,"EventID":"S1W-03626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidelines on the use of video conferencing facilities have been issued to Ministers and their officials and, if so, what these guidelines are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidelines on the use of video conferencing facilities have been issued to Ministers and their officials and, if so, what these guidelines are.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's good practice guidance on meetings, available to all Ministers and officials of the Scottish Executive, advises anyone arranging a meeting to consider the options available, including video conferencing. Operational guidance on the use of the video conferencing facilities is provided at each facility in the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140551,"EventID":"S1W-03627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any study into the comparative costs of travel by Ministers and officials to meetings and use of video conferencing facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any study into the comparative costs of travel by Ministers and officials to meetings and use of video conferencing facilities.","AnswerText":"No such study has been commissioned. However, the Scottish Executive recognises that video conferencing is a very cost-effective means of conducting meetings in certain circumstances. We are continuing to develop and extend the use of video conferencing where this has the potential to save time or money.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140552,"EventID":"S1W-03628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has entered into discussions with Her Majesty's Government, local authorities or other bodies with a view to achieving a co-ordinated approach to the use of vi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has entered into discussions with Her Majesty's Government, local authorities or other bodies with a view to achieving a co-ordinated approach to the use of video conferencing facilities and, if so, what has been the outcome of those discussions.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials are discussing with colleagues in the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities the further development of video conferencing among Scottish local authorities and between them and the Scottish Executive. The use of video conferencing facilities between the Executive and London-based Departments is already well-established.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140553,"EventID":"S1W-03629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when I will receive a reply to my letter dated 22 November to Jackie Baillie regarding Dundee Women's Aid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when I will receive a reply to my letter dated 22 November to Jackie Baillie regarding Dundee Women's Aid.","AnswerText":"I replied on 11 January.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140554,"EventID":"S1W-03630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make a statement on the recent announcement by Professor David Nicholls of Dundee University that he and his team are to leave Scotland to continue hi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make a statement on the recent announcement by Professor David Nicholls of Dundee University that he and his team are to leave Scotland to continue his pioneering work into brain disorders in the United States.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to make a statement on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140555,"EventID":"S1W-03631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the average salary for a newly qualified scientist in Scotland and how this compares to the same in the United States.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the average salary for a newly qualified scientist in Scotland and how this compares to the same in the United States.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140556,"EventID":"S1W-03632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many scientists it estimates have left Scotland to work elsewhere in each year since 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many scientists it estimates have left Scotland to work elsewhere in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, I can provide, in the hope that this might be helpful, estimates of the number of new science graduates from Scottish universities and colleges who obtained permanent employment overseas. The estimates set out in the table below has emerged from a survey of graduates. Table: Total science graduates from Scottish universities and colleges, and the estimated number and percentage who obtained permanent employment overseas. Total number of graduates in survey cohort Estimated number obtaining employment overseas % obtaining employment overseas 1994-95 8,396 413 5% 1995-96 9,707 566 6% 1996-97 9,716 580 6% 1997-98 9,711 526 5% Notes: 1. In this context "science" is defined as those subjects included in physical sciences, biological sciences, and engineering and technology. 2. The location of graduates who do not obtain permanent employment is not captured by this survey. 3. The survey assumes that the employment and destination profile of graduates who responded to the survey questionnaire is representative of the survey cohort as a whole in order to produce the estimated number and percentage who obtained permanent employment overseas.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140557,"EventID":"S1W-03633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of financial support for medical research has been provided in Scotland in each year since 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of financial support for medical research has been provided in Scotland in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"Public funding of medical research in Scotland comes from three main sources - the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC), and the Scottish Executive's Chief Scientist Office. The table below shows the amounts provided (by financial year). These figures are the best estimates available at the present time. 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 £ million CSO 10.6 10.1 10.7 10.6 9.9 10.8 Not available MRC 33.5 33.9 31.5 39.5 36.7 36.1 Not available SHEFC 18.1 17.8 17.9 18.2 20.3 20.0 22.5 TOTAL 62.2 61.8 60.1 68.3 66.9 66.9 Not available NHS Not available1 The total fund available under RPP and IIF is £105 million over the three years between 1999 and 2002. The budget for 1999-2000 is £20 million. There is no separate allocation for Scotland. Proposals for projects in Scotland will be assessed against criteria applied to all applications from across GB.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140559,"EventID":"S1W-03635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has responded to the request from Scottish Border Council for an additional housing revenue account borrowing consent of #250,000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has responded to the request from Scottish Border Council for an additional housing revenue account borrowing consent of #250,000.","AnswerText":"Scottish Borders Council's request for additional housing capital consent will be considered shortly, along with the representations made by other councils, when it becomes clearer if resources are available for supplementary allocations this financial year.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140560,"EventID":"S1W-03636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it maintains a central register of all waste-incineration facilities in Scotland, and of the quantities and categories of materials sent annually for incineration","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it maintains a central register of all waste-incineration facilities in Scotland, and of the quantities and categories of materials sent annually for incineration.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not maintain a central register of waste incineration facilities in Scotland or records of the quantities and categories of materials sent annually for incineration. Waste incinerators in Scotland are regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which holds public registers giving information about each incinerator. Such information includes the types of waste that may be disposed of, monitoring data and, where appropriate, details of the quantities of waste which may be burnt in a specified period.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140561,"EventID":"S1W-03637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last surveyed the availability of aggregates in Scotland, and when it expects to issue its findings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last surveyed the availability of aggregates in Scotland, and when it expects to issue its findings.","AnswerText":"The Survey of Aggregate Working in Scotland is carried out every four years. The last published results, for the year 1993, were issued in 1995. The most recent survey covered the year 1997 but a relatively poor response rate from aggregate producers, coupled with other factors including confidentiality rules and local authority reorganisation, has to date prevented publication of the results. Ways of resolving these difficulties are currently being considered and it is not yet possible to state when, or indeed if, the 1997 results will be published.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140562,"EventID":"S1W-03638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its review of the planning system will bring forward proposals to prevent or control the implementation of \"begun developments\" either in general where significan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its review of the planning system will bring forward proposals to prevent or control the implementation of \"begun developments\" either in general where significant time periods have elapsed between development beginning and the implementation of subsequent phases of development, or in circumstances where either the adopted Structure and Local Plans have been amended materially in the interim, or where the relevant planning authority considers that the development proposal should now be subject to traffic, environmental impact or other assessments which were not required when the original consent was issued.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no current plans to amend planning legislation in the way suggested. In circumstances where a planning authority anticipates problems of the sort outlined it is open to that authority to serve a completion notice on the developer specifying a period after which the planning permission shall cease to have effect.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140563,"EventID":"S1W-03639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what, if any, powers it has to take steps to underpin the future viability of Scotland's network of locally run community radio stations and what action it plans to take ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what, if any, powers it has to take steps to underpin the future viability of Scotland's network of locally run community radio stations and what action it plans to take in this respect.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has powers to fund Gaelic broadcasting, but there is no statutory provision for Government to provide financial support to independent radio stations. Organisations running radio stations may in certain circumstances be eligible for support from Local Enterprise Companies and other public bodies, although the Broadcasting Acts limit the level of public funding. The Scottish Executive has no plans to seek to alter these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140564,"EventID":"S1W-03640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with representatives of aggregates and quarrying interests in connection with the proposed aggregates tax and what representations it has made as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with representatives of aggregates and quarrying interests in connection with the proposed aggregates tax and what representations it has made as a consequence of any such meetings to Her Majesty's Government about the potential impact of an aggregates tax in Scotland.","AnswerText":"No such meetings have taken place.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140565,"EventID":"S1W-03641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-97 by Sarah Boyack on 30 June 1999, what targets it has set for recycling aggregates; what action it has taken to ensure that adopt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-97 by Sarah Boyack on 30 June 1999, what targets it has set for recycling aggregates; what action it has taken to ensure that adopted Structure Plans have identified 10-year supplies of aggregates, and what it plans to do to ensure that an adequate supply of aggregates is available in local authority areas where sufficient local supplies of aggregates have not been identified.","AnswerText":"As my nswer of 30 June indicated, research is currently being undertaken to gather information on recycling activity to inform consideration of the need for future targets. Structure Plans are examined at various stages by the Scottish Executive to ensure they are consistent with national planning policy. The Scottish Ministers can modify Structure Plans that are considered to be significantly out of accord with national policy. In some instances, joint working between planning authorities may be necessary to ensure adequate reserves are available.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140566,"EventID":"S1W-03642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the progress is of current research into seal populations including population dynamics and their impact on fish stocks and what its policy is on controlling the sea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the progress is of current research into seal populations including population dynamics and their impact on fish stocks and what its policy is on controlling the seal population.","AnswerText":"Under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, the Natural Environment Research Council is required to provide Scottish Ministers with scientific advice on matters related to the management of seal populations. In practice this advice is provided on an annual basis. I have just received the 1999 report and I will be considering its contents very carefully. I will ensure that a copy of this report is placed with SPICe. A range of individual research projects are underway to investigate different aspects of interactions between seals and fish, for example, seals and salmon on the River Conon and the feeding habits of seals in Lochs Shieldaig and Torridon. The Conservation of Seals Act 1970 already permits the shooting of seals, provided that an appropriately licensed firearm is used, during the open seasons; and limited shooting under licence during the close seasons for the prevention of damage to fisheries. Current policy recognises that control of seal predation on fisheries is best handled at the local level.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140567,"EventID":"S1W-03643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outline timetable is for formulating Scotland's position and aims in connection with the review of the Common Fisheries Policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outline timetable is for formulating Scotland's position and aims in connection with the review of the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"The review of the Common Fisheries Policy is due to be completed by 2002. The first round of consultations between the European Commission, member states and the fishing industry was completed last year. We expect to see the Commission's response to this exercise shortly at which time we will review developments with the industry. We are in broad agreement with the priorities expressed by the industry, which include a greater regional dimension to the CFP, and the maintenance of six and 12 mile coastal water limits and the principle of relative stability. Other issues, such as reduction in discarding of catches and the integration of environmental factors within fisheries policies, will also feature within the CFP review.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140568,"EventID":"S1W-03644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to withdraw or relax any control regulations in the light of the introduction of satellite monitoring of fishing vessels and, if so, which regulations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to withdraw or relax any control regulations in the light of the introduction of satellite monitoring of fishing vessels and, if so, which regulations.","AnswerText":"Satellite monitoring arrangements apply to fishing vessels over 24 metres in overall length and are intended to supplement existing control measures. As yet experience has to be gained of the practical operation of satellite monitoring. However, the Community has amended the rules for the Shetland Box so that satellite position reports may be accepted as fulfilling the obligations on masters of vessels over 24 metres to notify entry into and exit from the Box. The implications of satellite monitoring arrangements have also been considered as part of a recent review of pelagic management arrangements undertaken by a joint industry/Fisheries Departments working group. The group's report recommended, and we have agreed, some consequential changes to the arrangements for the exchange and uplift of pelagic licences. A copy of the report has been placed in SPICe for information. The Fisheries Departments will be writing to pelagic interests shortly setting out detailed guidance on the new arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140569,"EventID":"S1W-03645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of income for each of Scotland's three water authorities is derived from (a) revenue from customer charges, (b) external borrowing; (c) public/private par","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of income for each of Scotland's three water authorities is derived from (a) revenue from customer charges, (b) external borrowing; (c) public/private partnerships,and (d) EU structural funds for the current year and each year since their creation, where possible giving projections for future years.","AnswerText":"Public/private partnership deals undertaken by the water authorities do not generate income for them but result in the authorities paying a tariff to the private consortia concerned for providing value for money services. The following tables show annually for each water authority, charges revenue, new borrowing and EU structural grants. £ million North of Scotland Water Authority 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 Charges revenue 120.2 128.0 137.8 153.0 New borrowing 65.9 48.7 46.5 46.0* EU Grants 0.031 0.022 0.739 0.469 East of Scotland Water Authority 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 Charges revenue 162.0 173.2 194.0 236.5 New borrowing 70.0 55.9 54.7 80.5* EU Grants nil nil nil nil Other grades of hospital medical staff apart from consultants and SpRs also provide specialist care and treatment for cancer patients. Health boards have the responsibility to decide how many consultants and non-consultant career grade doctors they appoint in their area, depending on the health needs of the local population.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140572,"EventID":"S1W-03648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the process, detailing each stage, that written parliamentary questions go through after it receives them and whether it will publish any guidance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the process, detailing each stage, that written parliamentary questions go through after it receives them and whether it will publish any guidance notes issued to civil servants in relation to the drafting of answers to written and oral parliamentary questions.","AnswerText":"The basic process which is followed is set out below: Question and template for answer received by Parliamentary Clerk, Scottish Executive from the Chamber Office. Parliamentary Clerk allocates to appropriate Executive Department and issues question and template for answer in electronic form to Departmental Secretariat. Departmental Secretariat issues question and template to appropriate official to prepare draft answer. Appropriate official drafts answer. Depending on the question, this is likely to involve liaison with colleagues in other parts of the Executive, Whitehall departments or other bodies. Draft answer cleared by senior official in Department and returned to Departmental Secretariat. Draft answer considered by appropriate Minister(s) and any changes discussed with the Department. Answer lodged with Member and Chamber Office by Parliamentary Clerk. Guidance was issued in May 1999 setting out the above process. Some existing Scottish Office guidance remains of relevance, eg on the interaction of PQs with data protection requirements. Arrangements for liaison with the UK Government on PQs are contained in the Memorandum of Understanding and Concordats. The Civil Service Management Code and the Scottish Ministerial Code also inform the role of civil servants in preparing answers to Parliamentary Questions. These various sources of guidance are being drawn together to create comprehensive guidance for staff on PQs, which will issue shortly. This guidance will also provide advice on dealing with common forms of questions. I will place a copy of this guidance in the Parliament's Reference Centre once it is complete.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140573,"EventID":"S1W-03649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with the Home Office concerning the dispersal of asylum seekers in Scotland under the terms of section 101(b) of the Immigration an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with the Home Office concerning the dispersal of asylum seekers in Scotland under the terms of section 101(b) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including asylum seekers.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140574,"EventID":"S1W-03650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Home Office concerning the provision of Home Office funding for the hou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Home Office concerning the provision of Home Office funding for the housing, education and other needs of refugees and asylum seekers and their families in Scotland under the terms of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.","AnswerText":"There have been various discussions on these matters, which are continuing on a regular basis.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140575,"EventID":"S1W-03651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities in Scotland have indicated that they have the housing and educational resources which will allow them to accommodate asylum seekers and refugees a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities in Scotland have indicated that they have the housing and educational resources which will allow them to accommodate asylum seekers and refugees and their families under the terms of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.","AnswerText":"Work is ongoing, involving all Scottish Councils either directly or indirectly, to set up a consortium to contract with the Home Office to provide for asylum seekers in Scotland under the terms of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. This work is not complete, but the expectation is that asylum seekers will be housed in major councils within the Central Belt.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140576,"EventID":"S1W-03652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and local authorities concerning the implementation of a voucher system for asylum see","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and local authorities concerning the implementation of a voucher system for asylum seekers in Scotland under the terms of Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Home Office.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140577,"EventID":"S1W-03653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that in all PFI contracts for the building of schools the needs of both disabled children and staff are given priority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that in all PFI contracts for the building of schools the needs of both disabled children and staff are given priority.","AnswerText":"The details of such contracts are between the authorities and the contractors concerned. However, since 1985, the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations have required that the design of most new or altered or extended buildings, including schools, take proper account of the needs of disabled people. The regulations apply irrespective of how the works are funded.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140578,"EventID":"S1W-03654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the elimination of age discrimination in relation to personal loans and other banking facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the elimination of age discrimination in relation to personal loans and other banking facilities.","AnswerText":"Legislation on equal opportunities and the regulation of financial services are both reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is working with the Scottish financial institutions to encourage the promotion of more inclusive practices.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140579,"EventID":"S1W-03655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it proposes to undertake consultation on the problems of leylandii and other high hedges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it proposes to undertake consultation on the problems of leylandii and other high hedges.","AnswerText":"A consultation paper has been issued by my Department today. The paper invites the views of interested parties on the extent of problems experienced in Scotland from leylandii and other high hedges and on the adequacy of existing remedies. The consultation paper can be found on the Scottish Executive web site. Views have been requested by 31 March 2000.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140580,"EventID":"S1W-03656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in the light of the recent Policy and Financial Management Review of the Crofters Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in the light of the recent Policy and Financial Management Review of the Crofters Commission.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is strongly committed to supporting crofting, and to modernising crofting legislation and administration. The Crofters Commission will play a key role in this. The recent review of the Crofters Commission has concluded that the functions of the Crofters Commission - namely, regulatory, advisory and development functions - all still require to be undertaken. The review has also concluded that there is no scope to abolish, privatise, contract out or market test all or any of the Crofters Commission's functions. The review has made two separate (but combinable) recommendations for change to the Crofters Commission: I have decided that I want to consult widely on these recommendations before reaching final decisions on how best to move forward. A consultation paper is therefore issuing today to all interested parties (including MSPs), and copies of that consultation paper, plus the full report, are being placed in the Executive and Parliament Libraries.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140581,"EventID":"S1W-03657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the total net allocation of capital allowances (excluding adjustments for receipts which councils themselves are expected to make) made to Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the total net allocation of capital allowances (excluding adjustments for receipts which councils themselves are expected to make) made to Scottish local authorities in (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 1997-98, (d) 1998-99 and (e) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"For details of capital allocations to local authorities for the current year and each of the last four financial years, I refer the member to my letter of 9 September, sent in response to questions S1W-743 and S1W-744. A copy is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. This is the first year that capital receipts have been taken into account in the distribution of non-housing capital allocations. The gross non-housing allocations for 1999-2000 include forecast capital receipts of £94.7 million.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140582,"EventID":"S1W-03658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the formula and calculation used for the non-housing capital allocation to West Dunbartonshire council in (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 1997-98 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the formula and calculation used for the non-housing capital allocation to West Dunbartonshire council in (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 1997-98 and (d) 1998-99.","AnswerText":"West Dunbartonshire Council did not exist in 1995-96. Special arrangements applied in 1996-97 to account for local government reorganisation. The bulk of the allocation was determined by inherited commitments. By agreement with CoSLA a formula allocation was used from 1997-98. West Dunbartonshire's formula share of the total was 1.7% in both 1997-98 and 1998-99. The formula agreed in 1997 has five elements. A fixed element of £1 million for every council and four variable elements for Education, Transport, non-HRA Housing, and a General element represented by population.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140583,"EventID":"S1W-03659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the formula and calculation used for the non-housing capital allocation to West Dunbartonshire council in 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the formula and calculation used for the non-housing capital allocation to West Dunbartonshire council in 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"S1W-3658 explained the base formula used from 1997-98. With the full agreement of CoSLA, receipts were taken into account in the calculations from 1999-2000. The calculation uses local authorities' forecasts of receipts to be raised in year to adjust the net allocations upwards, for those councils who have a low level of receipts' raising capacity, or downwards for those councils who have a high level of receipts' raising capacity. The new approach increased West Dunbartonshire's base allocation from £3.898 million to £4.192 million.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140584,"EventID":"S1W-03660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed the future of RAF Buchan with Her Majesty's Government and, if so, what were the outcomes of these discussions and when does it expect to be info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed the future of RAF Buchan with Her Majesty's Government and, if so, what were the outcomes of these discussions and when does it expect to be informed of a decision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues including the future of RAF Buchan. The Ministry of Defence is expected to make a decision in the spring.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140585,"EventID":"S1W-03661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether inland waterways freight facilities grant (IWFFG) is treated as a separate budget allocation from the freight facilities grant, whether executive devolution exist","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether inland waterways freight facilities grant (IWFFG) is treated as a separate budget allocation from the freight facilities grant, whether executive devolution exists in the administration of IWFFG, whether the Scottish Executive has control of the criteria by which awards of IWFFG are made, and, if so, what use has been made to date of IWFFG in Scotland, what applications are currently being considered, and whether an offer of grant will be made to facilitate timber movements from Argyll to Ayr harbour.","AnswerText":"Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) for inland waterways is drawn from the same budget allocation available for railway projects. This amounts to £18.3 million for the three years between 1999-2000 and 2001-02. Inland waterways are a devolved matter and the Scottish Ministers have responsibility for the administration of FFG for inland waterways by applying criteria common to the FFG scheme as a whole. To date there have been no awards of FFG for inland waterways. Several proposals are under consideration, including a number dealing with the movement of timber. However, because of commercial sensitivities, it would be inappropriate to give further details.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140586,"EventID":"S1W-03662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-988 by Mr Jack McConnell on 31 August 1999, whether it will list the local authorities which are giving discretionary rates relief ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-988 by Mr Jack McConnell on 31 August 1999, whether it will list the local authorities which are giving discretionary rates relief within the terms of the Village Shops Relief scheme, and whether it will list the local authorities where no mandatory relief is given under the scheme.","AnswerText":"The attached table indicates those local authorities in Scotland which gave discretionary rates relief and the amounts granted in 1998-99, the first year of operation of the scheme. There are eight local authorities where no mandatory relief is given under the scheme as they have no eligible shops. Mandatory Discretionary £ £ Aberdeen City 0 0 Aberdeenshire 1,250 125,871 Angus 4,853 0 Argyll & Bute 28,245 95,323 Clackmannanshire 225 0 Dumfries & Galloway 24,165 152,150 Dundee City 0 0 East Ayrshire 3,068 0 East Dunbartonshire 1,488 7,230 East Lothian 2,835 0 East Renfrewshire 0 0 Edinburgh City of Sir John Arbuthnott: Board Member and Chairman of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee Mr Michael Gibson: FSA Board Member Dr George Paterson: FSA Scottish director Jointly with UK Ministers and the other devolved administrations, the following appointments have also been announced today: Sir John Krebs: Chairman of the FSA Mrs Suzi Leather: Deputy Chairman of the FSA Mr Geoffrey Podger: Chief Executive of the FSA","AnswerDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140588,"EventID":"S1W-03664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether assistance under the Infectious Salmon Anaemia Re-Start Scheme is currently limited to a \"de minimis\" level of ?100,000 cumulative over three years and, if so, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether assistance under the Infectious Salmon Anaemia Re-Start Scheme is currently limited to a \"de minimis\" level of ?100,000 cumulative over three years and, if so, what action it is taking to raise the limit so as to allow full payment of justified claims.","AnswerText":"The \"de minimus\" provisions referred to do not apply to aquaculture. HIE will be revising its guidance on the matter.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140589,"EventID":"S1W-03665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was set aside for allocation to each health board to cope with any potential winter epidemic and whether that funding has proved to be sufficient in every ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was set aside for allocation to each health board to cope with any potential winter epidemic and whether that funding has proved to be sufficient in every case.","AnswerText":"There has been record investment in the Health Service in Scotland this year. From £300 million extra allocated to health in Scotland, each health board received a substantial increase above inflation to meet the health care needs of their resident population including any pressure on services which might emerge throughout the year but especially during the winter. A further £2 million was invested in a flu vaccination programme so that the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, could be immunised against the flu.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140590,"EventID":"S1W-03666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the spring supplementary estimates will be placed before the Finance Committee and to what level the information will be given.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the spring supplementary estimates will be placed before the Finance Committee and to what level the information will be given.","AnswerText":"The Spring Supplementary Order was laid on 21 January. As the Order affects the transitional year it must follow the Westminster format and will be similar to the Autumn Supplementary Order.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140591,"EventID":"S1W-03667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-498 by Sarah Boyack on 4 November 1999, whether it is working on proposals for charges on householders for the uplift of domestic r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-498 by Sarah Boyack on 4 November 1999, whether it is working on proposals for charges on householders for the uplift of domestic refuse.","AnswerText":"No. The National Waste Strategy: Scotland recommended that householders should be made aware of the costs of dealing with their waste and that local authorities should be required to identify collection and disposal charges separately on council tax bills or to identify these costs on leaflets accompanying the bills.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140592,"EventID":"S1W-03668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make urgent investigations into the #30,000 shortfall in funding faced by Women's Aid, Glasgow; whether it has any plans to make available additional fund","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make urgent investigations into the #30,000 shortfall in funding faced by Women's Aid, Glasgow; whether it has any plans to make available additional funding to prevent its closure and what plans it has to maintain the long term future and work of Women's Aid, Glasgow through the necessary level of funding.","AnswerText":"Funding for local women's aid groups is the responsibility of the local authorities. The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to disburse funds directly to local groups. However, we expect women's aid local groups to benefit from the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140593,"EventID":"S1W-03669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the annual report of Women's Aid, Glasgow and, if so, whether it plans to respond to their statement that they do not have sufficient funds to f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the annual report of Women's Aid, Glasgow and, if so, whether it plans to respond to their statement that they do not have sufficient funds to feed women and children or give them emergency night clothing.","AnswerText":"I am aware of the annual report which includes a list of 28 shortfalls in service for which funding was not available from Women's Aid. Bids for grant from the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund will be considered in accordance with the Application Guidance issued on 1 December 1999. It may well be that some of these shortfalls could be addressed through the Fund.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140594,"EventID":"S1W-03670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its planned expenditure is on television advertising on domestic violence this year and whether it will show how this figure compares with the #600,000 expenditure l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its planned expenditure is on television advertising on domestic violence this year and whether it will show how this figure compares with the #600,000 expenditure last year.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on television advertising on domestic violence for the financial year 1999-2000 will amount to approximately £232,000. The amount spent during 1998-99 included advertising production costs, press advertising, radio commercials, telephone helpline and printed material in addition to those costs incurred on television broadcasts. Similar expenditure will be incurred during 1999-2000 except that television production costs will be lower.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140595,"EventID":"S1W-03672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund a feasibility study into a rail link for Edinburgh Airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund a feasibility study into a rail link for Edinburgh Airport.","AnswerText":"The potential for a rail link to serve Edinburgh airport has been examined a number of times. Currently it appears to be commercially unviable. It has been estimated that insufficient demand exists to justify the significant amount of capital investment required to provide a rail link and station. The proposed City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit guided bus-way will provide direct links with the Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140596,"EventID":"S1W-03673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3270 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 January 2000, whether it is able to break down the administrative costs of issuing fixed penalty fines","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3270 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 January 2000, whether it is able to break down the administrative costs of issuing fixed penalty fines by type of fine and by constabulary area and, if not, whether it will provide an estimate of these costs.","AnswerText":"No. Police administration costs of issuing fixed penalties are not calculated in the form requested and could not be estimated with any degree of accuracy.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140597,"EventID":"S1W-03674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3423 by Sarah Boyack on 16 December 1999, whether it will publicise the criteria which it will use to determine whether the propose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3423 by Sarah Boyack on 16 December 1999, whether it will publicise the criteria which it will use to determine whether the proposed Public Private Partnerships for the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh motorway extension demonstrate value for money.","AnswerText":"Since 24 June 1999 it has been Scottish Executive policy to make Full Business Cases for all central Government public/private partnerships publicly available.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140598,"EventID":"S1W-03675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make public the report of the National Audit Office investigation into Moray College, Elgin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make public the report of the National Audit Office investigation into Moray College, Elgin.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the conclusion of the investigation was passed to the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council on 1 July 1999 when the Council assumed responsibility for the funding of further education colleges. The Chief Executive has still to finalise and present a report on the results of the investigation to the Council, which will then decide on any further action to be taken. The National Audit Office or its successor, Audit Scotland, may subsequently decide to report on this matter to Parliament. As they are wholly independent of the Executive, I cannot say whether either party will decide to publish any report.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140599,"EventID":"S1W-03676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to report to the Parliament on meetings of the British Irish Council by way of ministerial statement or otherwise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to report to the Parliament on meetings of the British Irish Council by way of ministerial statement or otherwise.","AnswerText":"The Executive will, in the first instance, arrange a debate in the Parliament on the British Irish Council. Thereafter, decisions can be taken on how meetings of the Council should be reported to Parliament and on how Executive and Parliament relationships can be fostered under its aegis.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140600,"EventID":"S1W-03677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation was paid to each Chief Executive for loss of office at each outgoing NHS Trust in 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation was paid to each Chief Executive for loss of office at each outgoing NHS Trust in 1999.","AnswerText":"The Trust reconfiguration process was a managed one and is expected to save £100 million for investment in patient care. Annual savings of £8 million are expected as a direct consequence of the reduction in the number of chief executives and executive directors resulting from the reconfiguration of Trusts from 46 to 28. Early retirement was given to 17 individuals and the redundancy payments made to the chief executives in that group are set out in the table. These payments have been made in accord with the General Whitley Council regulations. The chief executives would also be entitled to immediate payment of pension and lump sum calculated under the NHS Superannuation Scheme regulations. The process has been audited and found to provide value for money. Chief Executive of Redundancy Angus NHS Trust £21,805 Kirkcaldy Acute NHS Trust £39,174 Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity NHS Trust £13,480 Raigmore Hospital NHS Trust £33,252 Hairmyres and Stonehouse NHS Trust £40,311 The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is the expert advisory group on vaccination and immunisation to the four UK Health Departments. Their expert advice determines the policy for the flu vaccination programme and that advice recommends that the vaccine is offered to over 75s and other specific vulnerable groups. They do not recommend vaccinating all over 65s. This advice is kept under regular review and is relayed to GPs annually before the time for them to commence flu immunisations.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140611,"EventID":"S1W-03688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the total number of applications for assistance under the Countryside Premium Scheme which were (a) received; (b) approved; (c) received with the maximum number ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the total number of applications for assistance under the Countryside Premium Scheme which were (a) received; (b) approved; (c) received with the maximum number of priority points and (d) approved with the maximum number of priority points in the last five years.","AnswerText":"There have been three rounds of Countryside Premium Scheme (CPS) applications (in 1997, 1998 and 1999). The data requested for these years is set out in the table below. Year Total applications received Total applications approved Category A* Applications Category A* Applications Approved 1997 915 476 126 125** 1998 951 504 641 504 1999 726 326 692 326 * The top category (Category A) covers applications with four or five priority habitats. ** In 1997 all valid Category A applications were approved.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140612,"EventID":"S1W-03689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Rural Affairs will make a statement on the continuation of the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme after 3","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Rural Affairs will make a statement on the continuation of the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme after 31 December 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive announced on 3 December that it would continue to accept and process applications for both schemes. There will however be a delay in granting approvals until the Scottish Rural Development Plan is approved by the European Commission. This is a temporary measure and the Executive remains committed to the aims of both schemes. The Scottish Executive will play its full part in the negotiations to achieve approval of the Scottish Plan.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140613,"EventID":"S1W-03690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1895,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total amount of funding committed by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department to the Countryside Premium Scheme in the current financial year and how t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the total amount of funding committed by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department to the Countryside Premium Scheme in the current financial year and how this compares with the previous five years in this or equivalent schemes.","AnswerText":"The funding committed to the Countryside Premium Scheme (CPS) in 1999-2000 is £7.169 million; £6.029 is to ongoing commitments and £1.140 to new commitments. This is in addition to an ongoing commitment of £0.441 million to participants remaining in previous schemes. The funding committed in previous financial years to the CPS and equivalent schemes is set out in the table below. Financial Year Ongoing Commitments New Commitments Total funding Committed 1994-95 - £0.014 million £0.014 million 1995-96 £0.014 million £0.198 million £0.212 million 1996-97 £0.212 million £0.181 million £0.393 million 1997-98 £0.393 million £1.571 million £1.964 million 1998-99 £3.900 million* £1.771 million £5.671 million *This figure is not the same as the previous year's total because the annual level of CPS payments depends on the content of the plans. Equivalent schemes in operation prior to the launch of the CPS in 1997 were the Habitats Scheme (HS) and Heather Moorland Scheme (HMS). These were closed to new applications at the end of 1996.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140614,"EventID":"S1W-03691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on adult literacy in Scotland in each of the last five years and what the projected figures are for the next year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on adult literacy in Scotland in each of the last five years and what the projected figures are for the next year.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140615,"EventID":"S1W-03692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed in community adult education in each of the last five years, and what the projected figures are for the next year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were employed in community adult education in each of the last five years, and what the projected figures are for the next year.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140616,"EventID":"S1W-03693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 years old died as a result of (a) road traffic accidents; (b) using Class A drugs and (c) using volatile substances in (i) Fife and (ii) Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 years old died as a result of (a) road traffic accidents; (b) using Class A drugs and (c) using volatile substances in (i) Fife and (ii) Scotland for each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer I gave him to question S1W-3695.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140617,"EventID":"S1W-03694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 18 years old died as a result of (a) road traffic accidents; (b) using Class A drugs and (c) using volatile substances in (i) Fife and (ii) Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 18 years old died as a result of (a) road traffic accidents; (b) using Class A drugs and (c) using volatile substances in (i) Fife and (ii) Scotland for each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer I gave him to question S1W-3695.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140618,"EventID":"S1W-03695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died as a result of (a) road traffic accidents; (b) using Class A drugs and (c) using volatile substances in (i) Fife and (ii) Scotland for each of the la","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died as a result of (a) road traffic accidents; (b) using Class A drugs and (c) using volatile substances in (i) Fife and (ii) Scotland for each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table below. Underlying cause of death Year Under 16 years old Under 18 years old All ages Fife Scotland Fife Scotland Fife Scotland Road traffic accidents 1 1994 1 36 1 51 20 353 1995 1 33 3 44 19 420 1996 5 27 6 44 28 364 1997 1 27 3 45 24 385 1998 2 34 2 49 21 385 Use of Class A drugs 2 I believe the debt relief measures which the Republic of Ireland proposes to introduce for some of its pig farmers is based on the very special circumstances of the fire at the Ballymoney pig processing plant.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140624,"EventID":"S1W-03701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funds it proposes to make available to help Women's Aid throughout Scotland in view of the increased number of women and children seeking help through its tele","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funds it proposes to make available to help Women's Aid throughout Scotland in view of the increased number of women and children seeking help through its television campaign and what plans it has to make the necessary funding available in the long term to ensure that no women or children are turned away from a refuge now or in the future because of a shortage of places through lack of funding.","AnswerText":"Funding for local women's aid groups is the responsibility of the local authorities. The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to disburse funds directly to local groups. However, we expect them to benefit from the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund. The Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse will make costed recommendations on levels of service standards throughout Scotland which we will consider very carefully.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140625,"EventID":"S1W-03702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any steps to reduce regulation of small businesses and, if so, what steps it will take.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any steps to reduce regulation of small businesses and, if so, what steps it will take.","AnswerText":"The Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit will pursue business concerns about the burden of regulation and will work closely with small business representative groups to ensure that the particular needs of small businesses are kept to the forefront of policy making throughout the Executive. My officials in the IRIS Unit will soon be arranging the first of a series of meetings I plan to have with business across the country to hear at first hand about the regulatory problems they are encountering.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140626,"EventID":"S1W-03703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a similar body in Scotland to the American body \"The Small Business Administrator\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a similar body in Scotland to the American body \"The Small Business Administrator\".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to introduce in Scotland a body similar to the Small Business Administration in the United States of America. Public sector support for small businesses in Scotland is delivered primarily through Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and we are currently reviewing the existing Enterprise Network in Scotland. We will also give careful consideration to any recommendations which emanate from the inquiry into Scotland's local economic development services by the Scottish Parliament's Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee. The Executive is determined to ensure that public sector support for business in Scotland meets the needs of the twenty-first century.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140627,"EventID":"S1W-03704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken and will take in order to achieve the target of creating 100,000 new businesses in Scotland by 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken and will take in order to achieve the target of creating 100,000 new businesses in Scotland by 2009.","AnswerText":"Wider national economic performance is likely to be the main determinant of trends in small business creation and the prospects for the Scottish economy remain good. However we have also been working closely with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to improve the availability, consistency and quality of support for people wishing to start a business. A number of positive measures are in hand: improvements to the Scottish Enterprise Network through the establishment, from April, of a single brand in the network and new programmes on start-up and small business support; work by Scottish Enterprise to review the Business Birth Rate Strategy to further encourage entrepreneurship and start-ups - including from non-traditional sources, like women and youth; and the continuation of local events under the Personal Enterprise Campaign. We have also set increased targets for number of start-ups assisted by the Enterprise Network, and are working to improve the availability of web site based business support. New start-ups with growth potential also have access to support from the £12 million Business Growth Fund and, from April, to our new national mentoring scheme - Business Mentoring Scotland. This represents a significant contribution by the Scottish Executive to improve Scotland's performance in business creation.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140628,"EventID":"S1W-03705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses there were in Scotland at the time of publication of Making it Work Together, and of them, how many were (a) small, and (b) large and what its estimat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses there were in Scotland at the time of publication of Making it Work Together, and of them, how many were (a) small, and (b) large and what its estimate is of these figures for each of the next ten years.","AnswerText":"The latest estimates available for the number and size of businesses in Scotland are for November 1998. At that time there were an estimated 299,110 enterprises operating in Scotland. Of these, 293,705 were small enterprises (0-49 employees), 3,275 were medium-sized enterprises (50-249 employees) and 2,130 were large enterprises (250+ employees). Further details are available in a Government Statistical Service News Release which was published on Wednesday 26 January 2000. A copy is available in SPICe. The Scottish Executive does not make statistical projections for the number of businesses operating in Scotland in future years.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140629,"EventID":"S1W-03706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that existing arrangements provide sufficient access for small businesses to unsecured long term development finance and, if not, whether it will mak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that existing arrangements provide sufficient access for small businesses to unsecured long term development finance and, if not, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to investigate the possibility of setting up a new business bank to provide small businesses with access to loans at rates significantly better than high street banks.","AnswerText":"The public sector currently provides, or contributes to, a range of small business finance schemes in circumstances where a discernible market failure can be identified. Most recently we established the £12 million Business Growth Fund to provide loans to small businesses with potentially viable proposals but unable to access sufficient funds from established sources - for example because of a lack of sufficient security or a limited track record. Some £2 million in loans has already been offered under the scheme and we will be evaluating its success in meeting this perceived gap in the funding market. The need for additional funding measures to support small business is kept under constant review. I remain to be convinced however that a case has been made for wider loan funding at below market rates, which may simply serve to displace existing private sector funding with no overall economic benefit.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140630,"EventID":"S1W-03707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list, for the last period for which information is available, the record of each local authority in Scotland for payment of debt, showing the average numb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list, for the last period for which information is available, the record of each local authority in Scotland for payment of debt, showing the average number of days within which each local authority has paid its suppliers and other creditors; whether it considers that these records are satisfactory and, if not, whether it will take steps to ensure that those local authorities which are not settling debts timeously do so; and after what period of time it estimates that such steps would result in all local authorities settling their debts timeously.","AnswerText":"Payment arrangements are a matter between local authorities and individual suppliers. The latest information on the percentage of invoices that authorities pay within 30 days is published by the Accounts Commission in their Annual Report Comparing the Performance of Scottish Councils 1997-98. As noted in my response to question S1O-332, I spoke to Councillor Norman Murray, president of CoSLA, asking him to draw to the attention of councils the requirements of the Late Payment of Commercial Debt (Interest) Act 1998 and the importance of paying their bills on time. CoSLA wrote to all local authorities advising them of this on 1 October.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140631,"EventID":"S1W-03708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop a strategy to provide greater emphasis on indigenous business rather than on inward investment, and if so, what will be its components and whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop a strategy to provide greater emphasis on indigenous business rather than on inward investment, and if so, what will be its components and whether it will consult on the strategy.","AnswerText":"I have recently asked officials to devise a Framework for Economic Development in Scotland. It will address a range of questions relating to Scotland's economic development and should provide an integrated and coherent framework within which to consider a range of economic policy questions such as the roles of inward investment and indigenous business. An extensive consultation exercise is currently underway. This involves face-to-face meetings between officials and a wide range of interested parties across Scotland and an open invitation to any other individuals or organisations, through a press release and consultation paper on the Scottish Executive web site, to submit their views.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140632,"EventID":"S1W-03709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be provided by the Business Growth Fund over each of the next 10 years and from what budget source; who will be responsible for administering this fund;","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be provided by the Business Growth Fund over each of the next 10 years and from what budget source; who will be responsible for administering this fund; what is the estimated costs for each of the next 10 years, and what gap the fund is designed to fill.","AnswerText":"Funding of £12 million is being provided under the Business Growth Fund over three years (£3 million in 1999-2000; £4 million in 2000-01; £5 million in 2001-02), for loans between £20,000 and £100,000. These funds have been allocated to both Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise who are responsible for the administration of the scheme. £2 million has already been committed under the Fund. A decision on whether to extend the funding beyond the initial three years will be made towards the end of that period following a review of the impact of the scheme. Small companies can face difficulties in raising sufficient funding due to their size and risk profile. The Business Growth Fund seeks to address this by providing assistance to businesses which are commercially viable and have growth potential, but which are unable to access sufficient funding from established sources.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140633,"EventID":"S1W-03710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way its mentoring scheme will differ from previous schemes, and (a) what is its estimated annual cost; (b) what will each mentor be paid; (c) who will choose ment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way its mentoring scheme will differ from previous schemes, and (a) what is its estimated annual cost; (b) what will each mentor be paid; (c) who will choose mentors, and (d) from what business organisations it has taken advice regarding the scheme.","AnswerText":"The introduction of a national mentoring scheme is a Programme for Government commitment, and we are on course to introduce Business Mentoring Scotland in April as planned. We hope to be able to announce details of the scheme within the next month or so.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140634,"EventID":"S1W-03711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of financial assistance that has been provided in Scotland for each of the past five years to the pig industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of financial assistance that has been provided in Scotland for each of the past five years to the pig industry.","AnswerText":"The CAP pigs regime does not provide direct support to pig farmers. This sector does benefit indirectly through EU funded private storage aids and export refunds, although the benefit to the Scottish industry cannot be accurately quantified. The following table lists offers of known financial support which have been made to this sector over the past five years. Offers of financial assistance made to the pig industry 1995-1999 (£'000s) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 547 578 100 319 3,100 This work at a national level to help increase breast feeding across Scotland is being taken up at a local level. For example, the Greater Glasgow Health Board has launched its local Breastfeeding Strategy in May last year, Glasgow maternity hospitals are implementing good practice through the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, and there are a number of community-based initiatives in Glasgow encouraging breastfeeding within their local area.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140643,"EventID":"S1W-03720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take in order to reduce the number of cancer deaths in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take in order to reduce the number of cancer deaths in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow Health Board is working in partnership with all the other agencies in Glasgow to tackle the life circumstances underlying health inequalities and so improve the health of their population. It also targets considerable resources on the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices in relation to diet and nutrition, smoking and physical exercise which have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. The health board has developed programmes with the aim of detecting certain cancers at an early stage. These include improving the attendance by women for breast and cervical screening. General practices are given extra funding to enhance their ability to identify and contact women who have not attended for screening and the board has invested in extra mammography equipment which can be taken to areas where uptake of the service is seen to be low. The health board has also participated in a national multi-centre trial of colorectal cancer screening. The health board has invested substantially in audits of cancer care and is able to demonstrate quite clearly how effective its clinicians are in treating cancer. A managed clinical network is in place which has been shown to improve substantially the pattern of care for patients with breast cancer. A similar network for gynaecological cancer is being implemented and networks of care for colon and lung cancer are planned. Currently work is underway to identify bottlenecks in cancer services. The health board and its Trusts are also embarked on a major programme of refurbishment for the Beatson Oncology Centre. This includes the provision of new radiotherapy equipment.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140644,"EventID":"S1W-03721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to tackle social and economic inequality in Glasgow and reduce the gap between poverty levels in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to tackle social and economic inequality in Glasgow and reduce the gap between poverty levels in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the particular problems facing Glasgow. We are already providing over £1.8 billion from the Scottish Block this year to various agencies in the city. In addition, we have announced that a special deprivation payment of almost £3 million will be made to Glasgow, as part of the local government settlement for 2000-01. We all know that there are no quick fixes to the cycle of disadvantage that includes unemployment, low skills and poverty, but through its participation in the Glasgow Alliance and its support for the city's Social Inclusion Partnerships, the Executive is committed to a long term programme of concerted action. This includes action to address homelessness, drug misuse and poor health, to promote economic development, to tackle low educational achievement, to expand childcare, and provide a radical solution to Glasgow's acute housing problems. By joining up and delivering on these policies, we aim to create a framework within which all Glaswegians have a decent quality of life and the opportunity to prosper.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140645,"EventID":"S1W-03722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider providing some form of bridging funding for the health service in Glasgow in order to address the special problems it has due to the scale of acu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider providing some form of bridging funding for the health service in Glasgow in order to address the special problems it has due to the scale of acute hospital changes and relocation of facilities required to implement the recommendations of the Carter review.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow Health Board is working closely with its partner Trusts on an ambitious programme to modernise and improve acute health services across the city. The health board will need to demonstrate that the costs of any specific proposals are affordable within the overall revenue allocation it receives from the Scottish Executive Health Department; no separate bridging funds are allocated for acute hospital services and bids for strategic capital investment must represent value for money.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140646,"EventID":"S1W-03723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an action plan will be prepared by the Greater Glasgow Health Board which will set out the steps which will be taken to tackle the high levels of cancer deaths in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an action plan will be prepared by the Greater Glasgow Health Board which will set out the steps which will be taken to tackle the high levels of cancer deaths in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"I refer to my answer to question S1W-3720.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140647,"EventID":"S1W-03724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to tackle high unemployment levels in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to tackle high unemployment levels in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Glasgow benefits from a comprehensive package of measures designed to match people to jobs and jobs to people. New Deal, Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships are helping Glasgow's young and long-term unemployed into work. These national initiatives will soon be complemented by the start up of Scotland's only Employment Zone. Between April 2000 and March 2002, the Zone will help 4,600 people who have been unemployed for 18 months or more and are in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance to get back into the labour market. The city's key players recognise the role they must play and have signed up to "Creating Tomorrow's Glasgow", a city-wide strategy under the auspices of the Glasgow Alliance, which commits partners to work together to generate sustainable economic growth, create jobs and develop a competitive workforce. Key objectives include: reinforcing the joint Business Location Service which seeks to maintain the city's market leadership in telephone-based business; positioning the city as a key inward investment location for software, biotechnology and advanced engineering; and attracting industry to the city by identifying a number of strategic sites for development.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140648,"EventID":"S1W-03725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve cancer detection methods in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve cancer detection methods in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"I refer to my reply to question S1W-3720.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140649,"EventID":"S1W-03726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2013,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":14,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are proposed to tackle the ongoing problem of damp housing in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are proposed to tackle the ongoing problem of damp housing in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"In the current year, Glasgow City Council's capital programme for its own houses amounts to some £55 million of which the Council expects to spend around £20 million on measures which will tackle dampness. Glasgow will also benefit from the new Warm Deal, introduced on 1 July 1999, which provides a comprehensive package of insulation measures up to £500 for low income households. It is the largest scheme of its kind ever in Scotland. Substantial resources have been allocated for the Warm Deal: £38 million for the years 1999-2000 - 2001-02. 100,000 households will benefit over the lifetime of this Administration. In addition, under our New Housing Partnership initiative, the Council is exploring the options for a transfer of its council housing into community ownership. This would release substantial resources to improve the stock and tackle dampness. To date, Glasgow has been awarded new housing partnership resources of £15.5 million. A further £15 million is earmarked for 1999-2000.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140650,"EventID":"S1W-03727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS spending in Scotland was allocated to Greater Glasgow Health Board in (a) 1989-90; (b) 1994-95 and (c) 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS spending in Scotland was allocated to Greater Glasgow Health Board in (a) 1989-90; (b) 1994-95 and (c) 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow Health Board was allocated 23.2% of NHS spend in Scotland in 1989-90, 19.3% in 1994-95 and 18.4% of the estimated expenditure in 1999-2000. These allocations have been based on the Scottish Health Authorities Revenue Equalisation (SHARE) formula which determined each health board's need for resources on the size and nature of its population. The reduction in the percentages allocated to Greater Glasgow Health Board reflects Glasgow's reducing population. Future allocations will be based on a new formula stemming from the Arbuthnott Committee's review of resource allocations which will, in particular, take into account the needs of deprived and rural areas. The proposed new method of resource allocation would result in Greater Glasgow Health Board receiving an increase in the proportion of NHS resources it receives.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140651,"EventID":"S1W-03728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any figures are available to demonstrate any effect which local projects, such as Breakfast Clubs, have in improving the health and development of primary school ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any figures are available to demonstrate any effect which local projects, such as Breakfast Clubs, have in improving the health and development of primary school children in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"No systematic information on this is available centrally, although anecdotal information suggests that children who eat breakfast regularly are healthier and do better at school than those who arrive for lessons hungry.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140652,"EventID":"S1W-03729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to encourage the establishment of breakfast clubs if they are proven to be beneficial to the health and development of primary school children in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to encourage the establishment of breakfast clubs if they are proven to be beneficial to the health and development of primary school children in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Breakfast club facilities are already available in a number of schools in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland, and this will provide valuable experience which can be drawn on where further clubs are to be established. The Scottish Community Diet Project, funded by the Scottish Executive, will be developing a toolkit to assist those schools who wish to set up breakfast clubs.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140653,"EventID":"S1W-03730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what primary health care services are available in Glasgow to homeless people who are not registered with a GP.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what primary health care services are available in Glasgow to homeless people who are not registered with a GP.","AnswerText":"Our primary care system is based on the model of a "registered patient list", where a named doctor serves a list of patients identified by their place of residence. However, everyone has a right to be on a doctor's list and Primary Care NHS Trusts have a responsibility to ensure that all patients are assigned to a suitable practitioner if they have been unable to secure services themselves. Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust have a number of specific initiatives in place which are designed to improve access to primary health care services for the homeless. They include: Further details of these services are available from Greater Glasgow Primary Care Trust.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140654,"EventID":"S1W-03731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is planned to reduce the incidence of cancer in the Glasgow area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is planned to reduce the incidence of cancer in the Glasgow area.","AnswerText":"I refer to my answer to question S1W-3720.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140655,"EventID":"S1W-03732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the amount each local authority expected to raise in capital receipts for the year 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the amount each local authority expected to raise in capital receipts for the year 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out below. Forecast Capital Receipts expected to be Raised in Financial Year 1999-2000 1,2,3 £000's Scotland 392,155 Aberdeen City 23,298 Aberdeenshire 13,720 Angus 6,848 Argyll and Bute 4,455 Clackmannanshire 4,237 Dumfries & Galloway 8,252 Dundee City 10,175 East Ayrshire 7,960 East Dunbartonshire 5,359 East Lothian 6,105 East Renfrewshire 3,011 City of Edinburgh 18,496 Eilean Siar 3,340 Falkirk 12,460 Fife 22,150 Glasgow City 59,541 New initiatives implemented since 1 1999 July include: the Innovators Counselling and Advisory Service for Scotland which provides a specialist counselling service for Scotland's inventors and small innovative firms; introduction of an e-commerce suppliers directory and SMART guides for users by Scottish Enterprise; the launch of Loan Action Scotland, an energy saving initiative which will allow small companies to adopt energy efficiency measures in the workplace; the Scottish Learning Network which will establish 500 "learning points" within small businesses; establishment of The Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit (IRIS) to assist with regulatory issues; and announcement of the formation of a Small Business Forum. To ensure direct and continuing dialogue between the Scottish Executive and the small business community as a whole, a range of other developments are also ongoing or in the pipeline including: a consultation on Scottish Tourism; the formation of a Scottish Manufacturing Strategy; Knowledge Economy consultation seminars; and the launch of a consultation document to help develop a framework for economic development in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140658,"EventID":"S1W-03735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give concrete examples and specific instances of its implementing policies to (a) encourage the transformation of ideas from their science base into succe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give concrete examples and specific instances of its implementing policies to (a) encourage the transformation of ideas from their science base into successful businesses; (b) promote an entrepreneurial culture through school activities; (c) develop Scotland's knowledge economy; (d) promote the use of technology throughout all types of business, and (e) seek to minimise the regulatory burden on business to ensure that small businesses do not face inappropriate regulations, and in each case to estimate in respect of each of the next ten years how many extra businesses will be created.","AnswerText":"As the answer to this question is lengthy I will write to Mr Ewing, and will ensure that a copy of my response is placed in SPICe.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140659,"EventID":"S1W-03736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether school children's parents or local authorities are responsible for children's safety during journeys to and from school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether school children's parents or local authorities are responsible for children's safety during journeys to and from school.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the safety of children during journeys to and from school will depend on the circumstances of particular pupils, the journeys they may have to make and the means by which those journeys are undertaken. In many circumstances authorities, parents and pupils themselves will share some responsibility. When authorities make provision for transport under Section 51 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, they, and the transport operator will have a general duty of care towards those pupils.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140660,"EventID":"S1W-03737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it would understand to be a safety risk under the terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 Section 51 as amended.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it would understand to be a safety risk under the terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 Section 51 as amended.","AnswerText":"Section 51(2C) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, provides that in considering the provision of school transport, education authorities must have regard to the safety of pupils. The provision does not seek to define what constitutes safety in this context. What constitutes a safety risk depends on the circumstances of particular cases and it is for the authorities to consider which circumstances should be taken into account. Ultimately, it would be for the Courts to determine whether an authority had reasonable regard to safety in the circumstances of a case.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140661,"EventID":"S1W-03738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific projects have been set up to date within the Rough Sleepers Initiative for meeting the particular needs of disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific projects have been set up to date within the Rough Sleepers Initiative for meeting the particular needs of disabled people.","AnswerText":"One bid is currently under consideration; this is the first such proposal put forward by a local authority for funding under the Rough Sleepers Initiative.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140662,"EventID":"S1W-03739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken by either the Minister for Communities or the Homelessness Task Force to establish the extent of homelessness among disabled people and provide","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken by either the Minister for Communities or the Homelessness Task Force to establish the extent of homelessness among disabled people and provide an informed basis for encouraging project bids to tackle the problems.","AnswerText":"The Code of Guidance on Homelessness already makes provision for disabled homeless people to be regarded as being in priority need for the purposes of the homeless persons legislation. The operation of this and other aspects of the legislation come within the terms of reference of the Homelessness Task Force, which I chair. The Task Force will consider whether further action is required to tackle the cases of homeless people with specific needs, including those who are disabled.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140663,"EventID":"S1W-03740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation on the tying of cattle and, if so, whether it will consult with representatives of the veterinary profession on the deta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation on the tying of cattle and, if so, whether it will consult with representatives of the veterinary profession on the detail of this.","AnswerText":"Legislation is already in place which prohibits the tethering of calves. For adult cattle, draft Regulations on the Welfare of Farmed Animals will bring into force Council Directive 98/58/EC which sets out general requirements on the welfare of livestock. These Regulations will require that the freedom of movement of animals should not be restricted in such a way as to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury; and that animals continuously or regularly tethered will have to be given the space appropriate to their physiological or ethnological needs. Wide consultation, which included the veterinary profession, has already been undertaken in respect of these draft Regulations.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140664,"EventID":"S1W-03741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to compel the use of alternatives to organophosphates in the treatment and prevention of sheep scab.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to compel the use of alternatives to organophosphates in the treatment and prevention of sheep scab.","AnswerText":"OP sheep dips have been withdrawn from the market so that containers, which are safer for the user, can be designed and introduced. It does remain an offence under the Sheep Scab Order 1997 not to treat animals visibly affected by sheep scab and keepers of sheep are responsible for applying effective treatment to animals known to be affected and to take appropriate steps to avoid infestation.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140665,"EventID":"S1W-03742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected overspend is in the current financial year for each NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected overspend is in the current financial year for each NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"Against total forecast income of £4,684 million this year, the 28 new NHS Trusts in Scotland reported at 31 December 1999 that their expenditure at 31 March 2000 was expected to be £4,720million. At 31 December 1998, the 47 previous NHS Trusts reported their forecast expenditure at 31 March 1999 £21 million above income. In the event, at 31 March 1999, only five Trusts failed to meet their break even financial target, and only two failed to meet all three of their financial targets. The Scottish Executive is currently working with senior management in Trusts forecasting an over-commitment, and their local health boards to ensure that recovery plans are put in place which will continue to provide high quality patient care while achieving financial balance.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140666,"EventID":"S1W-03743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the 1999 edition of The Scottish Abstract of Statistics and what the publication schedule is for future editions of this work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the 1999 edition of The Scottish Abstract of Statistics and what the publication schedule is for future editions of this work.","AnswerText":"We do not plan to publish a 1999 edition of The Scottish Abstract of Statistics. This compendium was published annually up to 1996 and then in 1998. If we continue with a volume in this format, the next edition would be that for 2000. The Scottish Abstract is a summary of material which has, with few exceptions, previously appeared in other publications. Updated versions of information which appeared in the 1998 Abstract have already been published in a variety of ways, for example, in statistical bulletins.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140667,"EventID":"S1W-03744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any constraints which limit the ability of the responsible Minister to investigate and intervene regarding the maintenance of standards in further educa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any constraints which limit the ability of the responsible Minister to investigate and intervene regarding the maintenance of standards in further education colleges.","AnswerText":"The statutory duty to secure adequate and efficient provision of further education in Scotland is now principally exercised by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council on behalf of Ministers. When questions about standards in FE colleges arise, Ministers would expect the Council to investigate matters and, if needs be, take appropriate action. Standards in FE colleges are being considered as part of the review of management currently being carried out by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council. The review will identify best practice with a view to promulgating such examples throughout the FE sector.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140668,"EventID":"S1W-03745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the level of funding provided to Central Scotland Police in order to meet its major incident control responsibilities at the Grangemouth Oil Refine","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the level of funding provided to Central Scotland Police in order to meet its major incident control responsibilities at the Grangemouth Oil Refinery.","AnswerText":"Central Scotland Police receive civil defence grant to enable them to employ an officer at the rank of Inspector together with support staff. This allows the force to carry out its emergency planning functions throughout the force area, including Grangemouth Oil Refinery. Funding for 1999-2000 is £54,700.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140669,"EventID":"S1W-03746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for cataract operations is for each health board at 1 January 2000 or the most recent date for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for cataract operations is for each health board at 1 January 2000 or the most recent date for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information on the median waiting times for cataract surgery for the year ending 30 September is given in the table. Median waiting time for cataract surgery1: Year ending 30 september 1999p Health Board Median Wait (Days) Argyll and Clyde 85 Ayrshire and Arran 78 Borders 42 Dumfries and Galloway 121 Fife 114 Forth Valley 83 Grampian 103 Greater Glasgow 103 Highland 98 Lanarkshire 126 Lothian 78 Orkney 78 Shetland 80 Tayside 62 Western Isles 187 Scotland 87 Source SMR0 p 1 In the reply of 13 January to a similar question from Mr Lewis Macdonald (No. S1O-902) we be explained that there is no single method of allocating resources for tackling deprivation across the range of the Executive's programmes.The reply also pointed out that the Social Justice Report, published in November 1999, makes clear that we will exploring how planning systems can be developed to ensure expenditure is effective and relevant to the problems experienced by particular groups and communities.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140672,"EventID":"S1W-03749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details on the methods, formulae, and criteria used to calculate funding awards for projects aimed at tackling social inclusion and whether it has","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details on the methods, formulae, and criteria used to calculate funding awards for projects aimed at tackling social inclusion and whether it has any plans to make changes to ensure that all pockets of poverty are identified.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given in S1W-3748.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140673,"EventID":"S1W-03750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to increase the use of modern technology in the Scottish Courts Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to increase the use of modern technology in the Scottish Courts Service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service has a key strategic aim of using modern technology to improve the service it delivers and assist the work of the courts. In the last year it has completed the installation of a computer network linking all the Sheriff and Supreme Courts in Scotland and is developing computer based systems to assist in tracking cases before the courts. A web site has been introduced which provides information on the Scottish Courts and includes a searchable database of recent judgements. The opportunity to incorporate modern technology is also routinely considered in planning the major refurbishment of court buildings.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140674,"EventID":"S1W-03751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it believes the impact of increasing the use of modern technology, such as video, audio tape or digital media, in recording proceedings in Scottish Courts would be o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it believes the impact of increasing the use of modern technology, such as video, audio tape or digital media, in recording proceedings in Scottish Courts would be on the accuracy of the reports.","AnswerText":"A programme to introduce audio tapes for recording proceedings in the Supreme and the Sheriff Courts was completed in 1997. A comprehensive review of these arrangements was completed in July 1999 which made a number of recommendations to improve overall performance, all of which have been implemented. In addition, digital recorders were issued in February 1999 to all Judges in the High Court as back-up for recording their charges to the jury. No complaints have been received from either the judiciary or other court users on the accuracy of transcriptions over the past year and there are no plans to change the current arrangements. Nevertheless, the Scottish Court Service continues to monitor the development of technology in this area. Video is not routinely used for recording proceedings in the courts.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140675,"EventID":"S1W-03752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Ministers or officials of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions concerning Scottish representation on the S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Ministers or officials of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions concerning Scottish representation on the Strategic Railway Authority.","AnswerText":"The Deputy Prime Minister gave a commitment in October 1998 that Scottish interests would be represented on the Strategic Rail Authority. The Scottish Executive has been in close contact with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions concerning Scottish representation on the British Railways Board (whose members will become members of SRA when it is formally established). The Minister for Transport, Lord Macdonald, announced today that he has appointed seven new members to the board, including Mr Willie Gallagher, formerly Director of Customer Services for Scottish Power.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140676,"EventID":"S1W-03753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce local pay bargaining for teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce local pay bargaining for teachers.","AnswerText":"No. The Executive stands by the principle of a national agreement on pay and conditions for teachers. Future machinery for determining teachers pay is one of the issues being examined by the Independent Committee of Inquiry into professional conditions of service for teachers, under the Chairmanship of Professor Gavin McCrone. The Committee is due to report by end of May.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140677,"EventID":"S1W-03754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a series of seminars, similar to those run by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on methods of school travel in o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a series of seminars, similar to those run by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on methods of school travel in order to give advice on the promotion of walking, cycling and public transport for all types of schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intends to organise an awareness seminar or seminars, similar to those being run by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, on school travel as a follow up to the guidance I launched in December on How to Run Safer Routes to School.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140678,"EventID":"S1W-03755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve public transport to Holyrood.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve public transport to Holyrood.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office, the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd jointly commissioned a study into strategic access options to the new Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, which reported in February 1999. Following publication of Oscar Faber's report, the Scottish Office (latterly Scottish Executive)/CEC/LEEL partnership has continued to meet on a regular basis to consider how best Faber's recommendations may be taken forward; albeit that implementation will rest primarily with CEC and transport operators.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140679,"EventID":"S1W-03756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3438 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 11 January 2000, what level of resources are still available from end-year flexibility arrangements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3438 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 11 January 2000, what level of resources are still available from end-year flexibility arrangements.","AnswerText":"All estimated end-year flexibility within the education, culture and sport budget has been allocated.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140680,"EventID":"S1W-03757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to ensure that local authorities materially improve their performance in respect of the proportion of waste recycled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to ensure that local authorities materially improve their performance in respect of the proportion of waste recycled.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Strategy: Scotland, which we adopted in December, sets out the framework for Scotland to move towards more sustainable waste management. It is clear that a great increase in the amount of recycling by local authorities is needed. Soundly-based targets have a part to play in implementing the Strategy and I have asked the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to advise me on appropriate targets for recycling by local authorities by the end of this year I am looking to local authorities and others involved in Area Waste Strategy groups as part of the National Strategy to develop plans which will maximise recycling as we strive to divert waste away from landfill. We have made £2.5 million per annum from 2000-01 available to local authorities to assist with this work. One of the main problems in achieving increased recycling levels is the lack of stable markets for recycled materials. Last year I was pleased to launch the REMADE project which aims to demonstrate that viable markets can be developed for recycled materials in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140681,"EventID":"S1W-03758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3438 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 11 January 2000, how much of the savings generated by the abolition of assisted places in schools have ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3438 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 11 January 2000, how much of the savings generated by the abolition of assisted places in schools have been utilised to fund Scottish Opera and the National Stadium Project at Hampden.","AnswerText":"The package to assist Scottish Opera will draw on £1.1 million savings resulting from the phasing out of the assisted places scheme. No savings from the assisted places scheme have been used to provide funding for the National Stadium Project at Hampden.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140682,"EventID":"S1W-03759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2857 by Sarah Boyack on 12 January 2000, what plans it has to extend the Central Edinburgh Rapid Transit scheme to provide a link t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2857 by Sarah Boyack on 12 January 2000, what plans it has to extend the Central Edinburgh Rapid Transit scheme to provide a link to Holyrood.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive (and previously the Scottish Office) has participated, jointly with the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd, in a study into options for improving public transport access to the new Parliament at Holyrood, but decisions on the extension of CERT are a matter for negotiation between the City of Edinburgh Council and ConCERT as their preferred bidder for the project.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140683,"EventID":"S1W-03760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that small shopkeepers are not prosecuted at least in this year over the change to metric weights in view of the possible added burdens these ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that small shopkeepers are not prosecuted at least in this year over the change to metric weights in view of the possible added burdens these changes may cause local shops and whether it has carried out any assessment as to the economic impact these changes will have on small shopkeepers as compared to supermarkets.","AnswerText":"Weights and Measures legislation including metrication is a reserved matter. The Department of Trade and Industry made a UK wide assessment of the expected compliance cost to business, including small firms arising out of the legislation. The main cost is likely to be for the conversion or replacement of weighing machines. Most machines should be able to be converted. The cost of conversion is expected on average to be around £100. The enforcement of legislation relating to weights and measures is a matter for local authority trading standards departments. Trading standards departments will normally enforce the law by offering guidance rather than by taking enforcement action.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140684,"EventID":"S1W-03761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to monitor the progress made by Social Inclusion Partnerships in deprived areas across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to monitor the progress made by Social Inclusion Partnerships in deprived areas across Scotland.","AnswerText":"In November 1999 we set out our targets and milestones for establishing social justice and equality of opportunity in Scotland. The implementation of effective monitoring systems within local areas will be an important part of enabling us to measure progress towards these targets, and to learn more about the approaches which are successful. We have therefore recently published a comprehensive monitoring framework for Social Inclusion Partnerships. We are making over £300,000 available to Social Inclusion Partnerships to enable them to put their systems in place as soon as possible. Resources totalling £7,000 will be provided to area-based Social Inclusion Partnerships and resources totalling £5,000 will be provided to thematic Social Inclusion Partnerships for this purpose.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140685,"EventID":"S1W-03762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport and the Environment advised relevant council leaders when she met them on 21 December 1999 that the Executive believes that they should","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport and the Environment advised relevant council leaders when she met them on 21 December 1999 that the Executive believes that they should make any scheme revisions to the proposed M74 Northern Extension.","AnswerText":"The Executive's position on the M74 Northern Extension was set out in my statement to Parliament on 4 November and in the report on the Strategic Roads Review which was published on the same day. As I explained on 13 January, in response to S1O-917, discussion at my meeting with the council leaders on 21 December focused on how the councils might deliver their proposal. It is, however, for the Councils, as the scheme's promoters, to decide on all aspects of the procurement, including the scheme details.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140686,"EventID":"S1W-03763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be in Scotland upon (a) levels of unemployment, (b) small businesses and (c) the economy if it decides to make final its decision to fix a business r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be in Scotland upon (a) levels of unemployment, (b) small businesses and (c) the economy if it decides to make final its decision to fix a business rate poundage of 10.1 % higher than the proposed poundage in England.","AnswerText":"The provisional poundage figure I announced on 8 December was calculated to keep the total tax burden the same in real terms for Scottish businesses. The proposed higher Scottish poundage results from an expected smaller increase in rateable value in Scotland than in England, the system has been designed to achieve a neutral effect overall.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140687,"EventID":"S1W-03764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the average increase in the rateable values in Scotland as a result of the 1995 revaluation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was the average increase in the rateable values in Scotland as a result of the 1995 revaluation.","AnswerText":"The average increase was 32 per cent.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140688,"EventID":"S1W-03765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the advice which business organisations are currently giving their members about the revaluation taking place this year, as referre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the advice which business organisations are currently giving their members about the revaluation taking place this year, as referred to by Mr Jack McConnell in column 1490 of the Official Report of the debate on the draft budget 2000-01 on 15 December 1999.","AnswerText":"I have had a number of meetings with business representative bodies on aspects of the revaluation. Following my statement on Local Government Finance on 8 December, the Scottish Executive circulated an information leaflet outlining key facts to the main representative business organisations, who subsequently made it available to their members. In line with the Executive's policy of openness and transparency, I will continue to meet with these organisations in the run up to, and following, the revaluation and will issue further guidance.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140689,"EventID":"S1W-03766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact macro-economic policies planned by Her Majesty's Government will have on its enterprise policies, whether these policies will provide a good climate for peopl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact macro-economic policies planned by Her Majesty's Government will have on its enterprise policies, whether these policies will provide a good climate for people in Scotland to start up in business, and whether these policies will give small business the confidence to respond and invest in the future.","AnswerText":"Inflation is now low and stable. Output in the Scottish economy continues to expand in both the manufacturing and service sectors. Unemployment in Scotland is falling and is low by historical and international standards, while employment is rising. These conditions provide a sound basis for the Scottish Executive's policies to promote a stable and competitive environment that will inspire more home grown enterprises to flourish.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140690,"EventID":"S1W-03767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to account for the financial effect which the internet may have upon High Street business in Scotland and to ensure that such an effect is taken i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to account for the financial effect which the internet may have upon High Street business in Scotland and to ensure that such an effect is taken into account in the non-domestic rating system.","AnswerText":"The effect of the internet on High Street business is still largely a matter for speculation. The rating system in Scotland is designed to have regard to changes in economic and trading conditions.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140691,"EventID":"S1W-03768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted with any representatives or representative bodies of the business community regarding its decision to fix a business rate poundage of 10.1% higher th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted with any representatives or representative bodies of the business community regarding its decision to fix a business rate poundage of 10.1% higher than in England prior to its ministerial statement on local government finance of 8 December 1999.","AnswerText":"I had a number of meetings with business representative bodies to discuss rating and valuation issues. I will continue to do so up to, and following, the revaluation in line with the policy of openness and transparency. In addition, I have since published the detailed calculations which prove that the total revenue raised through business rates will simply be maintained in 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140692,"EventID":"S1W-03769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to consult further on a Scottish transitional relief scheme for business ratepayers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to consult further on a Scottish transitional relief scheme for business ratepayers.","AnswerText":"I am issuing a consultation paper today following a meeting of the Scottish Valuation and Rating Council. Responses are invited by 18 February. I am also issuing today a note explaining the calculation of the provisional poundage figure of 45.8p that I announced on 8 December. Copies of both have been placed in SPICe.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140693,"EventID":"S1W-03770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings have been made to the NHS dental budget in Scotland as a result of changes in dental charges in 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 (projected).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings have been made to the NHS dental budget in Scotland as a result of changes in dental charges in 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 (projected).","AnswerText":"None. Gross expenditure on general dental services continues to rise.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140694,"EventID":"S1W-03771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering instructing or encouraging all public sector organisations to source suppliers from \"Constructionline\" registered companies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering instructing or encouraging all public sector organisations to source suppliers from \"Constructionline\" registered companies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive actively encourages purchasers in its departments and executive agencies, and in non-departmental public bodies and National Health Service organisations in Scotland, to use the database of Constructionline registered companies when sourcing contractors and suppliers of professional services. The Scottish Executive Building Division acts as the focal point for these organisations in accessing the database on their behalf. As a result it is the largest user of Constructionline in the UK. The Scottish Executive is also taking steps to encourage and promote the use of Constructionline across the wider public sector in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140695,"EventID":"S1W-03772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the proposals to install a six million gallon water tank and a three million gallon tank in Corstorphine woods on Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the proposals to install a six million gallon water tank and a three million gallon tank in Corstorphine woods on Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh and whether it will ensure that Scottish Natural Heritage is consulted on these proposals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was informed about these proposals in November last year. I am aware that the East of Scotland Water Authority wrote in general terms about the scope of the scheme to Scottish Natural Heritage in October 1999. This was followed in November 1999 when the consultants commissioned by EoSWA to produce an environmental impact assessment of a number of options wrote to SNH and others about these proposals. SNH raised a number of matters with the consultants, and will be consulted again when the preferred sites for these tanks have been identified.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140696,"EventID":"S1W-03773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-1898 and S1W-2705 by Sarah Boyack on 25 October 1999 and 6 December 1999 respectively, when it currently expects the final report","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-1898 and S1W-2705 by Sarah Boyack on 25 October 1999 and 6 December 1999 respectively, when it currently expects the final report of the National Goose Forum to be published.","AnswerText":"Ministers have considered the final report of the National Goose Forum and have agreed that it should be published as a consultative document, which I expect will take place in February. As intimated in my answer to question , I envisage a two-month consultation period, during which time we will arrange for the report to be available to interested parties, including the Parliament's relevant committees. In relation to implementation, our aim is to have a new policy framework to manage the interaction between Scotland's goose populations and agricultural interests in place for the winter of 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140697,"EventID":"S1W-03774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-561 by Sarah Boyack on 19 August 1999, when it now expects the report into the operation of Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries on the Fir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-561 by Sarah Boyack on 19 August 1999, when it now expects the report into the operation of Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries on the Firth of Clyde will be published.","AnswerText":"The report on ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140698,"EventID":"S1W-03775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-901 on 13 January 2000 by Sarah Boyack, whether it will publish the study which the Scottish Office conducted into the need for a s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-901 on 13 January 2000 by Sarah Boyack, whether it will publish the study which the Scottish Office conducted into the need for a strategic link road between Dumfries and the M74.","AnswerText":"I have arranged for a copy of the Executive Summary Report (Ironside Farrar, Halcrow Fox, Halcrow Scotland - A74(M) Dumfries Link Study Executive Summary) to be lodged in SPICe.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140699,"EventID":"S1W-03776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the most recent assessment it has made as to whether the A709 and A701 are suitable as strategic road links between Dumfries and the M74.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the most recent assessment it has made as to whether the A709 and A701 are suitable as strategic road links between Dumfries and the M74.","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Office nor the Scottish Executive have undertaken further strategic assessment studies of the A709 or A701 since the A74(M) Dumfries Link Study.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140700,"EventID":"S1W-03777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are suitable routes for road travel between the M74 and Dumfries other than the A701, A709 and A75.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are suitable routes for road travel between the M74 and Dumfries other than the A701, A709 and A75.","AnswerText":"The A701, A709 and A75 are the principle routes between the A74 and Dumfries. All other routes are minor local roads more suitable for local traffic.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140701,"EventID":"S1W-03778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive whether it is considering extending the system of rates relief which currently applies to rural shops and sub-post offices to pubs and small hotels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive whether it is considering extending the system of rates relief which currently applies to rural shops and sub-post offices to pubs and small hotels.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140702,"EventID":"S1W-03779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what consideration has been given to the use of videoconferencing facilities during meetings of the Committees of the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what consideration has been given to the use of videoconferencing facilities during meetings of the Committees of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The committee conveners are aware of the availability of the video conferencing facilities in the Parliament and use will be made of them in appropriate circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140703,"EventID":"S1W-03780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to make the Water of Leith tidal once again; whether it has any plans to do so and, if so, what is the timescale involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to make the Water of Leith tidal once again; whether it has any plans to do so and, if so, what is the timescale involved.","AnswerText":"These issues are primarily within the responsibility of Forth Ports Authority as port authority for the area involved.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140704,"EventID":"S1W-03781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the Cross-Forth Passenger Ferry Study and what plans it has to implement the recommendations of the study.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the Cross-Forth Passenger Ferry Study and what plans it has to implement the recommendations of the study.","AnswerText":"The study, produced by Napier University, was co-funded by the Forth Transport Infrastructure Partnership, Forth Ports PLC and Stagecoach PLC. A decision on publication has not yet been made by the funding partners. Decisions on future cross-Forth transport initiatives will be taken within the context of the work of the Forth Transport Infrastructure Partnership.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140705,"EventID":"S1W-03782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals for trunk road management and maintenance comply with European procurement legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals for trunk road management and maintenance comply with European procurement legislation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is fully complying with European Community legislative procedures for public procurement.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140706,"EventID":"S1W-03783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effects its proposals on trunk road management and maintenance will have on local authorities and whether it has made any estimate of the number of direct labour org","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effects its proposals on trunk road management and maintenance will have on local authorities and whether it has made any estimate of the number of direct labour organisation jobs which may be lost as a result of these proposals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive cannot prejudge whether jobs may be lost in advance of the outcome of the tender competition and what views existing and future employers subsequently take on any transfer of staff should the existing operators be unsuccessful in the competition.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140707,"EventID":"S1W-03784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise on proposals for exemptions for flights from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands from Air Passenge","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise on proposals for exemptions for flights from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands from Air Passenger Duty; whether it supported such proposals based on low population density; whether it expressed an opinion on the treatment of inter-connecting flights, and why it did not consult the Transport and Environment Committee on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was not included in HM Customs and Excise's formal consultation exercise on Air Passenger Duty. The Executive is very well aware of the vital importance of lifeline air services to the economic and social wellbeing of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. Through its regular contacts with the UK Government, the Executive will add its support for changes which will secure exemptions for Highlands & Islands air services in recognition of the vital but fragile nature of many of the routes. It is for the Transport and Environment Committee to consider whether it wishes to comment on this reserved issue.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140708,"EventID":"S1W-03785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now take urgent action to ensure that the 2000 patients who are clinically fit for discharge, but are occupying NHS beds, are transferred to a more approp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now take urgent action to ensure that the 2000 patients who are clinically fit for discharge, but are occupying NHS beds, are transferred to a more appropriate care setting.","AnswerText":"Reducing the number of delayed discharges is a high priority. £60 million is being made available - on top of existing record levels of funding in the NHS - to accelerate delivery of a number of priorities including a reduction in the number of delayed discharges. A learning network is also being established to encourage the sharing of best practice.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140709,"EventID":"S1W-03786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy will be put in place to alleviate any potential influen'a epidemic next year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy will be put in place to alleviate any potential influen'a epidemic next year.","AnswerText":"As I made it clear in my statement on 12 January, as part of our continuous improvement of services for patients, the Scottish Executive will review this year's winter planning arrangements, together with NHS staff, professional bodies and local managers and will consider ways of improving winter planning in future years. This will include consideration of measures to alleviate the potential effects of influenza.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140710,"EventID":"S1W-03787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether GPs in Scotland will be given access to additional resources to cover equipment and administration costs for the vaccination of patients at risk from influen'a.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether GPs in Scotland will be given access to additional resources to cover equipment and administration costs for the vaccination of patients at risk from influen'a.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer given to S1W-3786.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140711,"EventID":"S1W-03788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that it has a strategy to ensure that everyone over 75 was offered an influen'a vaccination in autumn 1999 and whether it will outline the details","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that it has a strategy to ensure that everyone over 75 was offered an influen'a vaccination in autumn 1999 and whether it will outline the details of that strategy.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer for Scotland issues a letter annually to medical practitioners, including GPs, which reflects advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, providing details of the particular strains of the influenza virus circulating that year and identifying the groups considered to be at risk, for whom vaccination is recommended. Since 1998 all people aged 75 and over have been included in the "at risk" categories. It is considered to be good clinical practice for GPs to manage the requirements of their "at risk" patients by advising them of the availability and benefits of vaccination.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140712,"EventID":"S1W-03789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the reports and recommendations of the NHS Pay Review Bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the reports and recommendations of the NHS Pay Review Bodies.","AnswerText":"The Review Body for Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine (NPRB) has recommended a general pay increase of 3.4% for nurses, midwives, health visitors and the professions allied to medicine. In addition, the Review Body recommended that Grade C and Grade E nurses who have been on the maximum of their pay scale for one year should get an extra increment and therefore pay increases of 7.0 and 7.8% respectively. Senior II PAMs who have been on the maximum of their pay scale for one year should also get an extra increment and therefore a pay increase of 8.4%. The Review Body for Doctors and Dentists (DDRB) has recommended a general pay increase of 3.3%, both for salaried doctors and dentists and for pay elements of fees for general medical and dental practitioners. The Review Body has also recommended that £20 million (Great Britain) be earmarked for additional payments to general dental practitioners from April to recognise quality and commitment to the NHS. The Review Body acknowledged that from 1 April consultants will begin to benefit from an additional £50 million (Great Britain) earmarked for payments in recognition of their workload, work intensity and commitment to the NHS arising out of last year's recommendations. I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Executive has decided to accept the Review Bodies' recommendations for 2000-01 in full, with no staging. These increases will be met from within the allocations made to Health Boards for 2000-01 which were announced on 6 January.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140713,"EventID":"S1W-03790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug Lysovir will be made available for the provision and treatment of influen'a.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drug Lysovir will be made available for the provision and treatment of influen'a.","AnswerText":"Lysovir (amantadine) is available on NHS prescription for the prevention and treatment of the signs and symptoms of influenza A. The use of this treatment for an individual patient depends on the clinical judgement of the medical practitioner concerned.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140714,"EventID":"S1W-03791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the drugs Taxol and Taxotere are made available to all patients with ovarian and breast cancer who would benefit from such treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the drugs Taxol and Taxotere are made available to all patients with ovarian and breast cancer who would benefit from such treatment.","AnswerText":"The drugs Taxol and Taxotere are available on the NHS. The use of these drugs in the treatment of patients with ovarian and breast cancer depends on the clinical judgement of the clinicians concerned.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140715,"EventID":"S1W-03792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make representations to Her Majesty's Government to consider the establishment of a Joint Ministerial Committee to look at the implications for Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make representations to Her Majesty's Government to consider the establishment of a Joint Ministerial Committee to look at the implications for Scotland of asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including asylum seekers.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140716,"EventID":"S1W-03793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for new investment in rural bus routes; whether any such investment would be on a par with the #17 million pledged for this purpose by the Department of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for new investment in rural bus routes; whether any such investment would be on a par with the #17 million pledged for this purpose by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and whether Executive investment in any such initiatives would be subject to the availability of additional funding from other partners such as local authorities.","AnswerText":"As part of the additional funding for rural transport announced in the 1998 and 1999 Budgets the Executive is investing a total of more than £14 million in rural transport measures in Scotland between the financial years 1998-99 and 2000-01. In the first two years the Executive has provided local authorities with an additional £3.5 million per year for the provision of rural public passenger transport services - mainly bus. This funding is additional to what local authorities currently spend on rural bus services. Also £0.6 million per year (increased to £0.9 million in 1999-2000) is being invested in rural community transport projects in the form of support to community and voluntary groups to help them organise and operate transport in rural areas. As part of the overall package £4.5 million is due for disbursement in 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140717,"EventID":"S1W-03794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it contributed to the formulation of Her Majesty's Government's position regarding the Biosafety Protocol negotiations in Montreal and, if so, what views it put f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it contributed to the formulation of Her Majesty's Government's position regarding the Biosafety Protocol negotiations in Montreal and, if so, what views it put forward in the discussion.","AnswerText":"Foreign Affairs are reserved to the Westminster Government. In recognition of our devolved responsibilities, Scottish Ministers were consulted on the development of the proposed UK negotiating line. The UK negotiating stance has subsequently been agreed with our European partners.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140718,"EventID":"S1W-03795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the promotion and purchase of recycled goods by financial, legal and other incentives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the promotion and purchase of recycled goods by financial, legal and other incentives.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Strategy: Scotland promotes the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste. We have adopted the strategy and the Scottish Executive are attempting to lead by example. For instance, the Executive purchases 100% recycled paper wherever possible and recycles paper when it is of no further use. The Landfill Tax discourages landfill and promotes reduction, re-use and recycling of waste. Regulations are in place to implement the EC Packaging Waste Directive ensuring that at least 50% of packaging waste is recycled by 2001. These regulations should mean that more recycled material will find its way back to consumers. The REMADE project aims to identify and develop markets for recycled materials. Part of the project involves work to change standards which demand unnecessary use of virgin materials. It is clear that many people are not aware of the impact of the waste they produce. We are looking at ways of raising awareness of waste amongst the general public and promotion of recycling would be a key element of any action taken.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140719,"EventID":"S1W-03796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the 17 local authorities who currently recycle less than 5% of their waste to improve on that record.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the 17 local authorities who currently recycle less than 5% of their waste to improve on that record.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Fergusson to my answer to question S1W-3757.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140720,"EventID":"S1W-03797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is currently giving to local authorities, outwith the normal annual financial settlement, to facilitate recycling of domestic and commercial waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is currently giving to local authorities, outwith the normal annual financial settlement, to facilitate recycling of domestic and commercial waste.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Fergusson to my answer to question S1W-3757. We are working in partnership with CoSLA, SEPA and others to try to identify the full financial implications of the strategy. These will have to be carefully considered as part of the Executive's Spending Review this year.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140721,"EventID":"S1W-03798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reverse the trend of reduction in recycling rates by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reverse the trend of reduction in recycling rates by local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Fergusson to my answer to question S1W-3757.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140722,"EventID":"S1W-03799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many evictions from Scottish local authority housing have been carried out in the last five years for (a) rent arrears and (b) anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many evictions from Scottish local authority housing have been carried out in the last five years for (a) rent arrears and (b) anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"Information is already available in respect of eviction decrees issued by the courts, but not broken down by category of tenant nor by reason for eviction being sought by landlords. We are currently considering, with local authorities, whether information in respect of eviction actions and actual evictions against council tenants, should in future be collected centrally. Any such arrangements, if agreed, will apply from 1 July 2000.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140723,"EventID":"S1W-03800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish local authority tenants have exercised their right to buy after proceedings to evict them for anti-social behaviour have been initiated in each of the l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish local authority tenants have exercised their right to buy after proceedings to evict them for anti-social behaviour have been initiated in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140724,"EventID":"S1W-03801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidelines are provided to police officers as to the approach to be taken to a civil property dispute.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidelines are provided to police officers as to the approach to be taken to a civil property dispute.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not provide guidelines on civil property disputes to the police. However, the police have a duty to maintain public order and safety.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140725,"EventID":"S1W-03802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the M74 Northern Extension sufficiently meets its strategic roads assessment criteria to be allowed to progress in its current form.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the M74 Northern Extension sufficiently meets its strategic roads assessment criteria to be allowed to progress in its current form.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Tosh to my answer to question S1W-3762.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140726,"EventID":"S1W-03803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what efforts the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has made to publicise to the general public the new regulations on the operation of cross-party groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what efforts the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has made to publicise to the general public the new regulations on the operation of cross-party groups.","AnswerText":"The Standards Committee's report on the Regulation of Cross-Party Groups, which sets out the regulations, was published on 30 November 1999. In keeping with normal practice, the report was placed on the Parliament's web site on that date. Most of the partner libraries in each of the 73 Scottish Parliamentary constituencies provide public access to Internet facilities. Details of Committee reports also appear in the Business Bulletin and in the publication What's Happening in the Scottish Parliament (WHISP), copies of which are available for public inspection in many of the partner libraries and for purchase in Stationery Office outlets. Journalists were notified prior to the publication of the Report. The Regulations on Cross-Party Groups were the subject of a debate in the full Parliament on 15 December 1999. Advance notice of that debate appeared in the Business Bulletin and in WHISP and the record of the debate appeared in the Official Report for that day. Copies of the Official Report are also available for public inspection in many of the partner libraries and for purchase in Stationery Office outlets. Parliamentary staff are currently looking at the possibility of producing a fact sheet on Cross-Party Groups to be made publicly available in the Parliament's Visitor Centre.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140727,"EventID":"S1W-03804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Glasgow City Council tenants whose homes are to be demolished following the proposed stock transfer are to be informed that their home is excluded from the list of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Glasgow City Council tenants whose homes are to be demolished following the proposed stock transfer are to be informed that their home is excluded from the list of those to be modernised.","AnswerText":"Tenants will be fully involved in the preparation of any proposal for transfer of Glasgow's housing into community ownership, including decisions about future investment and demolition programmes. A transfer will take place only if a majority of tenants vote for it.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140728,"EventID":"S1W-03805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent in financial years 1997-98 and 1998-99 on stock transfer feasibility studies, how much will be spent this financial year and how much will be spent in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent in financial years 1997-98 and 1998-99 on stock transfer feasibility studies, how much will be spent this financial year and how much will be spent in each of the next two financial years.","AnswerText":"The option of transfer to community ownership involves extensive consultation and provision of advice to tenants as well as option appraisals and stock condition surveys. Outturn expenditure on these activities in 1997-98 and 1998-99 was £101,000 and £2,201,000 respectively. In 1999 up to £33 million was earmarked over the period 1999-2002 for possible transfer feasibility and option appraisals, including consultation with nearly 500,000 tenants.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140729,"EventID":"S1W-03806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three-apartment local authority flats could have had full central heating installed if money spent on stock transfer feasibility studies in financial years 1997-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three-apartment local authority flats could have had full central heating installed if money spent on stock transfer feasibility studies in financial years 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 was spent on such installations instead.","AnswerText":"The cost of installing full central heating in three-apartment local authority flats would be determined by a number of factors including floor space, type of central heating to be installed and the extent to which full or partial central heating already exists in the stock. This information is not held centrally and so no estimate can be made.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140730,"EventID":"S1W-03807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that health boards encourage NHS staff to get vaccinated against influen'a next winter and in subsequent years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that health boards encourage NHS staff to get vaccinated against influen'a next winter and in subsequent years.","AnswerText":"Along with ministerial colleagues in the other UK Health Departments, I have asked the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to review its present advice on the immunisation of healthcare workers against influenza. We await the Committee's advice, which will help inform the arrangements we make in future years.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140731,"EventID":"S1W-03808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for nursing home placements in each local authority for which figures are available and what plans it has for reducing waiting times.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for nursing home placements in each local authority for which figures are available and what plans it has for reducing waiting times.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available on a consistent basis. We are taking a range of initiatives which should reduce waiting times. Central to these is the drive for local agencies to work together to improve services as envisaged in Modernising Community Care: an Action Plan. Incentive funding to encourage implementation will increase from £5 million this year to £7.5 million in 2000-2001. The Joint Future Group, which I will chair, will aim to strengthen joint working.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140732,"EventID":"S1W-03809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to retain the services of Mr Brian Souter as one of its \"Champions of Change\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to retain the services of Mr Brian Souter as one of its \"Champions of Change\".","AnswerText":"The Champions for Change have made themselves available for consultation by councils on an entirely voluntary basis, for which we are very grateful. We leave it to councils themselves to make their own contacts with the Champions, and to determine the role they can play in sharing discussion on how to manage change.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140733,"EventID":"S1W-03810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to detach the revenue element of police and fire brigade funding from operational funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to detach the revenue element of police and fire brigade funding from operational funding.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140734,"EventID":"S1W-03811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm its commitment to the Larkhall rail link in the light of the threat to DAKs Simpson jobs in Larkhall and the need to improve the transport infrast","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm its commitment to the Larkhall rail link in the light of the threat to DAKs Simpson jobs in Larkhall and the need to improve the transport infrastructure of the town, and when the link can be expected to open.","AnswerText":"The Larkhall to Milngavie rail route project is the responsibility of the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority as the public passenger transport body for the area. The Scottish Executive regards this as an important project. The authority was awarded £5 million of additional capital consent to develop it under the Public Private Partnership arrangements. Following submission of the authority's Outline Business Case a number of issues still need to be resolved before the authority completes its Final Business Case for the project. Following receipt of the Final Business Case, which is expected in summer 2000, a decision will be taken about the project's suitability for level playing field support under the private finance arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140735,"EventID":"S1W-03812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next Scottish Abstract of Statistics will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next Scottish Abstract of Statistics will be published.","AnswerText":"If we continue with a volume in this format, the next edition would be that for 2000.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140736,"EventID":"S1W-03813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a commitment to return to annual publication of The Scottish Abstract of Statistics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a commitment to return to annual publication of The Scottish Abstract of Statistics.","AnswerText":"No. We will shortly be inviting users of statistics to comment on our future dissemination strategy, when we publish the Scottish Executive Statistical Programme for 2000-2001. Their views will inform our decisions on the format and frequency of our publications. It would be inappropriate to give commitments on specific volumes until that consultation is concluded.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140737,"EventID":"S1W-03814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Abstract of Statistics due to be published in December 1999 has not yet appeared.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Abstract of Statistics due to be published in December 1999 has not yet appeared.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Russell to my answer to question S1W-3743.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140738,"EventID":"S1W-03815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local people can apply to become members of their local Health Board or local Health Trust Board and what measures it is taking to monitor how accessible the applicat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local people can apply to become members of their local Health Board or local Health Trust Board and what measures it is taking to monitor how accessible the application process is to local people.","AnswerText":"People can apply at any time for appointment to their local Health Board and Trusts and their application will be considered when vacancies arise on the boards. Applications can be obtained from the NHS Public Appointments Branch in the Scottish Executive. Some appointments are also advertised in local and national newspapers. As I said in the debate on the NHS on 16 December 1999, I am keen to widen the range of members on NHS boards. I have since written to MSP's and MP's asking for their help in identifying local people who could contribute to their local communities by serving as a board member of a NHS Health Board or Trust. I am delighted to say that in response we have received nearly forty requests for applications. I also wrote recently to national organisations in Scotland, including a number in the voluntary sector, and I am happy to say that we are now receiving requests for applications as a result. We are committed to reviewing and modernising the system for making public appointments in Scotland and I am already taking steps to improve the processes for NHS appointments.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140739,"EventID":"S1W-03816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's decision to allow the continued sale of scallops which have been \"shucked\" from areas affected by amnes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's decision to allow the continued sale of scallops which have been \"shucked\" from areas affected by amnesic shellfish poisoning with a view to introducing this policy in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have recently sought and received information on the Republic of Ireland's monitoring and control system for amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). We are advised that the Republic of Ireland either close scallop production areas if results from the whole body exceed the EU action level, or prohibit the sale or use of scallops if results from gonad or muscle exceed the action level. The testing regime in Scotland is directed to the gonad since research has shown that, of the most commonly eaten parts of the scallop, this tends to have the highest concentration of toxins. Production areas are closed when levels of toxin in the gonad exceed the EU action level.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140740,"EventID":"S1W-03819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to the provision of council housing for single people convicted of non-violent crimes and who were council tenants prior to serving a priso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to the provision of council housing for single people convicted of non-violent crimes and who were council tenants prior to serving a prison sentence but are homeless on their release, and what impact this policy has on the likelihood of such individuals re-offending.","AnswerText":"The primary statutory responsibility for dealing with homelessness rests with local authorities. In discharging their responsibilities local authorities are required to have regard to the Code of Guidance issued by the Scottish Executive which includes specific guidance on measures to prevent ex-prisoners from becoming homeless. The Scottish Executive has been concerned to note the extent to which ex-prisoners feature amongst those people who sleep rough. That is why we have adjusted the focus of the Rough Sleepers Initiative to increase the emphasis on prevention and support for this group. The Homelessness Task Force will consider whether further action is required to address the needs of people who may be at risk of becoming homeless, including ex-prisoners.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140741,"EventID":"S1W-03820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide updated information on the workings of the \"Twenty is Plenty\" experimental speed limit scheme set up in a number of areas from 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to provide updated information on the workings of the \"Twenty is Plenty\" experimental speed limit scheme set up in a number of areas from 1998.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is evaluating the effectiveness of the 20 mph pilot projects implemented in a number of local authority areas throughout Scotland in 1998. The pilot projects are testing the effectiveness of 20 mph schemes which do not include the use of relatively expensive engineering measures to force down the speed of traffic. The final results will be available in September and the final report will be published as soon as possible thereafter. It will be distributed to all local authorities in Scotland and other interested parties and copies will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140742,"EventID":"S1W-03821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the results of the \"Twenty is Plenty\" limit in the Gorbals area and investigate the possibility of extending the 20 mph speed limit throughout th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the results of the \"Twenty is Plenty\" limit in the Gorbals area and investigate the possibility of extending the 20 mph speed limit throughout the Gorbals.","AnswerText":"I refer Ms Elder to the reply I gave her to Question S1W-3820. Local authorities have power to introduce 20 mph speed limits on local roads in their areas. It is, therefore, for Glasgow City Council to consider the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit in the Gorbals.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140743,"EventID":"S1W-03822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scottish Executive funding for the voluntary sector is allocated to black and ethnic minority organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scottish Executive funding for the voluntary sector is allocated to black and ethnic minority organisations.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive direct funding to the voluntary sector in 1998-99 totalled £23 million. Of this, £275,000 (1.2% of the total) was allocated to the Ethnic Minority Grant Scheme. The scheme provides grants to voluntary organisations in Scotland for projects designed to reduce discrimination and promote racial equality. A strategic review of Scottish Executive funding for the black and ethnic minority voluntary sector was announced on 27 October 1999 and the outcome of the review will be reported in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140744,"EventID":"S1W-03823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what would be the estimated cost to Scottish public authorities of classifying dyslexia as a disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what would be the estimated cost to Scottish public authorities of classifying dyslexia as a disability.","AnswerText":"Such information has not been collected. The classification of disabilities is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140745,"EventID":"S1W-03824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2224 by Mr Frank McAveety on 25 November 1999, whether it has received the full account of Stirling Council's practice in relation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2224 by Mr Frank McAveety on 25 November 1999, whether it has received the full account of Stirling Council's practice in relation to the co-option of individuals to council committees which it requested and whether it is satisfied that Stirling Council's practice in this regard complies with all of the relevant statutory requirements.","AnswerText":"I refer to my previous replies of 14 December and 11 January to questions S1W-2867 and S1W-3390. We received the chief executive's response on 7 December, and it was in the light of that that I wrote to the leader of the council on the lines described in my reply of 11 January to S1W-3390. I am looking forward to receiving his reply.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140746,"EventID":"S1W-03825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop a Scottish national allergy centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop a Scottish national allergy centre.","AnswerText":"Only a very small number of services, such as heart, lung and liver transplantation, are handled at national level. There are no immediate plans to add allergy to these services.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140747,"EventID":"S1W-03826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider funding a Scottish allergen imuno-therapy unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider funding a Scottish allergen imuno-therapy unit.","AnswerText":"We have no plans for such a unit, but hope to publish shortly a major review of immunology and allergy services undertaken by the Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, the recommendations of which should help focus the development of the range of local services required by those who suffer from allergies.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140748,"EventID":"S1W-03827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for liaison between the Digital Scotland Taskforce and the Knowledge Economy Taskforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for liaison between the Digital Scotland Taskforce and the Knowledge Economy Taskforce.","AnswerText":"Liaison between the two taskforces is maintained partly through common membership. I am a member of the Ministerial committee on Digital Scotland and am chairing the Developing the Knowledge Economy Taskforce. Mr Hugh Aitken of Sun Microsystems is also a member of both taskforces. Liaison is also promoted through officials in the Education Department and the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department who are acting as secretariat to the respective taskforces and are in regular contact with each other.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140749,"EventID":"S1W-03828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an overlap between the respective remits of the Knowledge Economy Taskforce and the Digital Scotland Taskforce and how that overlap is to be managed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an overlap between the respective remits of the Knowledge Economy Taskforce and the Digital Scotland Taskforce and how that overlap is to be managed.","AnswerText":"Both the Knowledge Economy Taskforce and the Digital Scotland Taskforce are cross-cutting initiatives and there are clearly linkages between the work of both groups, although the Knowledge Economy Taskforce has a discrete interest in areas such as business innovation and human skills. The main area of common interest is in e-commerce and this is being managed by close liaison between both taskforces. The members of each group are being made aware of the work of the other.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140750,"EventID":"S1W-03829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff are engaged in the task of promoting and supporting e-commerce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff are engaged in the task of promoting and supporting e-commerce.","AnswerText":"E-commerce is an enabling technology and the term is capable of wide interpretation. It is estimated that there are currently 72 staff working within the core and associated departments of the Scottish Executive who are wholly or partly engaged in business processes, improvements in public service delivery and the promotion and support of information and communication technologies who could fall within a reasonable definition of e-commerce. This estimate excludes staff in agencies and non Departmental Public Bodies engaged in similar tasks.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140751,"EventID":"S1W-03830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2152,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list those organisations which it funds directly and are engaged in the promotion of sex education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list those organisations which it funds directly and are engaged in the promotion of sex education.","AnswerText":"The organisations funded by the Scottish Executive and engaged in the delivery of health education, including sex education are as follows: The Health Education Board for Scotland National Aids Trust The Scottish Voluntary HIV/AIDS Forum The Family Planning Association Scotland Fertility Care Scotland Lothian Brook Advisory Centre Waverley Trust Positive Steps Partnership Health Gay Scotland Shortly, as envisaged in the White Paper Towards a Healthier Scotland the Executive will also commence funding the demonstration project Healthy Respect. Additionally, many voluntary youth organisations in receipt of Scottish Executive funding (for example Youth Clubs Scotland, YMCA, the Scouts and the Guides) undertake work with young people on health related issues. Health education, however is only one aspect of their work with young people.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140752,"EventID":"S1W-03831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1700 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 January 2000, whether it will explain the difference between an opinion that \"there were no statable c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1700 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 January 2000, whether it will explain the difference between an opinion that \"there were no statable case\" and an opinion that there was \"no prospect of any success and no merit in going ahead with a judicial review\" in respect of the Sheriff's decision in Noel Ruddle's appeal hearing.","AnswerText":"As indicated in my answer to question S1W-1700, Scottish Ministers took the view that there was nothing to be gained from proceedings for judicial review. Legal advice given to the Scottish Ministers was that there was no argument which might have been stated in court which would have succeeded in achieving Mr Ruddle's continued detention in hospital.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140753,"EventID":"S1W-03832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Minister for Children and Education on 12 January 2000, whether it will outline the remit and timescale of the working party set up to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Minister for Children and Education on 12 January 2000, whether it will outline the remit and timescale of the working party set up to examine the proposed transfer of Department of Social Security resources for young people leaving care to local authorities.","AnswerText":"The working party will examine how best local authority resources, enhanced by the transfer of DSS resources, might operate for the good of young people requiring throughcare and aftercare and offer advice to Scottish Ministers. This will include consideration of such issues as ring-fencing of resources; a safety net for young people who have lost contact with their local authority; and an appeals procedure. The working party will report periodically to Ministers to assist appropriate implementation procedures to come into effect in the course of next year.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140754,"EventID":"S1W-03833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Minister for Children and Education on 12 January 2000, whether it will confirm the membership of the working party set up to examine ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Minister for Children and Education on 12 January 2000, whether it will confirm the membership of the working party set up to examine the proposed transfer of Department of Social Security resources for young people leaving care to local authorities.","AnswerText":"The working party comprises the following people nominated by their respective statutory and voluntary organisations: Association of Directors of Social Work Monica Boyle David Heaney Fred McBride Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Steve Driscoll Anne Marie Stewart Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum Tam Baillie Vivienne Boyle The Association of Careers Service Companies in Scotland Mary Carson Jean Geddes Who Cares? Scotland Dierdre Watson Stephen McGinley Scottish Council for Single Homeless John Dickie The working group will be chaired and supported by Scottish Executive officials.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140755,"EventID":"S1W-03834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the responses to the consultation on the proposed transfer of Department of Social Security resources for young care leavers to local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the responses to the consultation on the proposed transfer of Department of Social Security resources for young care leavers to local authorities.","AnswerText":"Copies of individual responses may be obtained in the usual way from the Scottish Executive unless individuals have asked that their reply remain confidential.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140756,"EventID":"S1W-03835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce legislation to place local authorities under a legal duty to assess and meet the care and support needs of children and young people leavi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce legislation to place local authorities under a legal duty to assess and meet the care and support needs of children and young people leaving care.","AnswerText":"Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, local authorities already have a duty to provide advice and assistance with a view to preparing a young person for when he or she is no longer looked after by a local authority. Local authorities are also required to advise, guide and assist a young person who was looked after at school leaving age or thereafter up to the age of 19 unless the local authority are satisfied that the young person's welfare does not require it. Local authority assistance, which may include assistance in kind or in cash, may continue until the young person is 21 years old.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140757,"EventID":"S1W-03836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist and advise local authorities in securing additional funding, including Public Private Partnership funding, for the repair of school buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist and advise local authorities in securing additional funding, including Public Private Partnership funding, for the repair of school buildings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive assists and advises councils on all possible procurement approaches, including Public private partnerships. In addition, there are well established arrangements under which local authorities are advised each year of the capital allocations for their capital programmes, including work on school buildings. In partnership with CoSLA we have agreed work on school buildings as a key priority for local authorities. Authorities are also advised of the resources available for the repair of school buildings under the New Deal for Schools.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140758,"EventID":"S1W-03837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposals on the right to buy for housing association tenants will affect all current housing association tenants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposals on the right to buy for housing association tenants will affect all current housing association tenants.","AnswerText":"In my answer to Karen Whitefield on 15 June (question S1W-7983) I set out the conclusions reached by the Executive following consultation on the paper A New Single Tenancy for Scotland: Rights, Obligations and Opportunities. This confirmed that the Executive plans to legislate to introduce a common set of enhanced statutory rights for all tenants of social landlords. Specifically in relation to the right to buy for current housing association tenants, our conclusion is that those tenants who currently have this right should continue to be able to exercise it on existing terms and conditions. Similarly the current provisions for exemption from the right to buy for housing associations with charitable status will continue and accommodation within sheltered housing and other group housing schemes for persons with particular needs will also be exempt. We have given careful consideration to the representations made by housing associations in relation to those houses let since 1989 on assured tenancies which do not give tenants a right to buy. To ensure that the new tenancy arrangements do not create financial difficulties for housing associations, these houses will be exempt from the right to buy for a period of 10 years unless housing associations themselves decide to allow relevant tenants to have the new "modernised" right to buy (details of which were set out in my recent answer to Karen Whitefield). We have also concluded that in some areas, to be designated by local authorities with the approval of Scottish Ministers as "pressured" because of the difficulties in meeting the demand for new socially rented houses, the right to buy could be suspended for all new and re-let housing association and council housing for a specific period. Further details of our proposals will be set out in the forthcoming Consultation Paper on the Housing Bill which I plan to issue shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140759,"EventID":"S1W-03838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans regarding the right to buy and housing associations with charitable status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans regarding the right to buy and housing associations with charitable status.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to change the current provisions which exclude, from the right to buy, tenants of housing associations that are registered charities.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140760,"EventID":"S1W-03839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposals on the right to buy for housing association tenants will be modified to take into account particular problems in areas in which social housing is in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposals on the right to buy for housing association tenants will be modified to take into account particular problems in areas in which social housing is in a minority.","AnswerText":"In the Scottish Executive paper A New Single Social Tenancy for Scotland: Rights, Obligations and Opportunities we made it clear that our aim is to create more mixed communities in all parts of Scotland. To achieve this objective, we will ensure that Scottish Homes directs its resources for investment in new socially rented housing to those areas where there is clear, demonstrable need.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140761,"EventID":"S1W-03841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will change civil legal aid by lowering contribution levels and scrapping automatic contributions from women who earn more than they would receive by way of st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will change civil legal aid by lowering contribution levels and scrapping automatic contributions from women who earn more than they would receive by way of state benefits in order to make it easier for women victims of abuse to take court action.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believe that it is right that those who can afford to pay a contribution towards the costs of their case should be required to do so. In setting the levels of contribution payable, by all civil legal aid applicants, the Scottish Executive gives due cognisance to the principle that the most needy should receive the help they require. The level of contribution payable is determined solely by the amount of disposable income or capital which an applicant has available. In assessing disposable income, the Scottish Legal Aid Board makes allowance for essential living expenses such as reasonable employment expenses, dependant children, council tax and other housing costs.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140762,"EventID":"S1W-03842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Homes analysis of fuel poverty from the Housing Condition Survey 1996 has not yet been released into the public domain and when it intends to make this i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Homes analysis of fuel poverty from the Housing Condition Survey 1996 has not yet been released into the public domain and when it intends to make this information public.","AnswerText":"Work on the analysis has not yet been completed.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140763,"EventID":"S1W-03843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what aspects of public safety in relation to nuclear plants in Scotland are under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what aspects of public safety in relation to nuclear plants in Scotland are under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"Safety at nuclear plants in Scotland is a reserved matter. Nuclear licensed site operators are responsible for site safety and regulation is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is statutorily responsible for all aspects of nuclear safety. However, the Scottish Executive retains day to day responsibility for co-ordinating the response to any civil nuclear emergency in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140764,"EventID":"S1W-03844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Her Majesty's Government in relation to any proposed pesticide tax, in particular regarding what implications such as a tax might hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Her Majesty's Government in relation to any proposed pesticide tax, in particular regarding what implications such as a tax might have on Scottish agricultural jobs and what evidence, if any, exists to show that some pesticides currently used by farmers have improved the quality of grain.","AnswerText":"The UK Government asked the agrochemical industry and others to offer proposals to reduce the environmental impact of pesticide use. Proposals now brought forward by the British Agrochemicals Association will form the basis of discussions between the UK Government, industry and other interested parties over what form a partnership approach might take. It has been announced by HM Treasury that subject to further detailed discussions, the Chancellor will not proceed with the introduction of a pesticides tax in the Budget. The Scottish Executive will keep in close touch with developments on this.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140765,"EventID":"S1W-03845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ending of the Right to Buy Scheme for anti-social tenants would in any way act as a deterrent of such behaviour and, if so, for what reasons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ending of the Right to Buy Scheme for anti-social tenants would in any way act as a deterrent of such behaviour and, if so, for what reasons.","AnswerText":"Yes. There is evidence of tenants desire to exercise the right to buy and denying this right to anti-social tenants, as part of a package of measures, will act as a deterrent of such behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140766,"EventID":"S1W-03846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reform the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to provide local authorities with the same provisions as exist under section 12 of that Act","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reform the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to provide local authorities with the same provisions as exist under section 12 of that Act for billing authorities in Wales so that local authorities will have the same discretion as those in Wales to take a different approach to discounts in respect of second or holiday homes by either reducing the discount from 50% to 25% or giving no discount at all; whether it will further reform the Act to allow local authorities who do exercise such powers to retain any additional revenue yielded as a result of the reduction or elimination of discounts on second or holiday homes and, if not, why not.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to make changes to the local taxation system at present. The Welsh system does not allow local authorities to retain any additional revenue gained by exercising this power.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140767,"EventID":"S1W-03847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from local authorities to be allowed to reduce or eliminate discounts on second or holiday homes and retain the income generated a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from local authorities to be allowed to reduce or eliminate discounts on second or holiday homes and retain the income generated as a result and, if so, from which local authorities and what measures does it intend to take as a result.","AnswerText":"Yes, representations have been received from the Highland Council. We have no plans to make changes to the local taxation system at present.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140768,"EventID":"S1W-03848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total administration costs are for all Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department current schemes, and whether these costs are met from within the schemes' fund","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total administration costs are for all Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department current schemes, and whether these costs are met from within the schemes' funds or from a separate budget.","AnswerText":"The administration costs for Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department schemes are met from central Scottish Executive Administration provision. The Rural Affairs Department's share of directly allocated administrative costs for the financial year 2000-01 is £27.739 million.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140769,"EventID":"S1W-03849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is (a) the number of post offices outlets in Scotland and (b) the total number of jobs dependant on them both directly and indirectly; what consideration it has give","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is (a) the number of post offices outlets in Scotland and (b) the total number of jobs dependant on them both directly and indirectly; what consideration it has given as to the impact upon these employment levels of Her Majesty's Government policy to switch benefit payments to automated credit transfers to bank accounts in a two year move commencing in 2003 and whether it will provide an estimate of the numbers of jobs directly and indirectly dependant on post office outlets in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.","AnswerText":"The Post Office, post and regulation of postal services are reserved matters. I understand from the Post Office that the number of post offices in Scotland as at end March 1999 was 2,026 and that around 7,000 people are either directly or indirectly dependent on the operation of the post office network in Scotland. In addition, there are a number of people within the Post Office Group who have responsibilities which are partly related to the operation of the post office network and those who are employed in the retail businesses associated with post offices. The automation of the post office network, which is due for completion by the spring of 2001, will enable post offices to enhance and expand the facilities they offer. The UK Government has also given an assurance that benefit recipients who wish to access their benefits in cash at post offices will continue to be able to do so before and after the move to automated credit transfer. No estimates of job numbers for the years 2003-06 are available.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140770,"EventID":"S1W-03850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will (a) estimate the total cost of freight facilities grant applications currently under consideration and (b) state the total available resources; whether it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will (a) estimate the total cost of freight facilities grant applications currently under consideration and (b) state the total available resources; whether it intends to seek additional resources and, if not, how it intends to prioritise existing resources in order to achieve the best value.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently assessing nine applications for Freight Facilities Grant. All applications are subject to a rigorous economic appraisal. Since this appraisal has yet to be completed for these nine applications it is not possible to give reliable figures for the costs of schemes or for the amount of grant that might be awarded. The present allocation for Freight Facilities Grants in Scotland is £18.3 million for the three years between 1999 and 2002, of which £9 million has so far been committed. Funding for the scheme beyond this period will be subject to the consideration of spending priorities for the Scottish Executive as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140771,"EventID":"S1W-03851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-661 by Susan Deacon on 28 September 1999, whether it can provide a more up to date estimate of the capital and running costs of flu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-661 by Susan Deacon on 28 September 1999, whether it can provide a more up to date estimate of the capital and running costs of fluoridating drinking water.","AnswerText":"The water authorities have now refined their initial estimates of the total costs implied in introducing fluoridation schemes on the basis described in my previous Answer, to £34 million capital and £6.7 million annual operating costs.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140772,"EventID":"S1W-03852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to promote accurate and informed teaching about the Holocaust in Scottish schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to promote accurate and informed teaching about the Holocaust in Scottish schools.","AnswerText":"Scottish schools have the opportunity to inform their pupils about issues connected with the Holocaust through subject areas ranging from history and modern studies to religious and moral education and English language. The Government has recently announced that 27 January 2001 will become the UK's first Holocaust Memorial Day and I am confident that Scottish schools will find appropriate ways to involve their pupils in marking this day.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140773,"EventID":"S1W-03853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths in the past five years resulted from methadone use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths in the past five years resulted from methadone use.","AnswerText":"The table below gives, for the categories listed, the numbers of deaths where methadone was recorded as being present at the time of death, either alone or in combination with one or more other drugs. It is not possible to identify the number of cases where the use of methadone was the only, or main, cause of death. Also given, for the same categories, are the total numbers of deaths from all drugs and medicaments. Deaths1 from drugs and medicaments, Scotland. 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total 422 426 460 447 449 Involving methadone 55 58 101 86 64 Notes: 1. Underlying cause of death categories included, International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD9): drug dependence (ICD9, 304); non-dependent abuse of drugs (ICD9, 305.2-305.9); accidental poisoning (ICD9, E850-E858); suicidal poisoning (ICD9, E950.0-E950.5); and poisoning undetermined whether accidentally or purposely inflicted (ICD9, E980.0-E980.5). The figures above differ from those published by the General Register Office for Scotland in its annual paper on Drug-Related Deaths as the latter excludes suicides. The texts have been made available to the Parliament and are available in the Document Supply Centre and on the Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140776,"EventID":"S1W-03856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when digital hearing aids will be made available by the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when digital hearing aids will be made available by the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scottish Healthcare Supplies, the Division of the Common Services Agency with responsibility for arranging central contracts for the NHS in Scotland, have closely monitored this rapidly developing area and successfully negotiated the inclusion of digital hearing aids on their current contract from June 1999. A wider choice of digital aids will be available on the new contract, which is due to commence with effect from 1 April 2000. Decisions on which hearing aid best meets the clinical needs of a patient is however a matter for the clinician in charge of their care.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140777,"EventID":"S1W-03857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to commit extra resources to Grampian University Hospitals Trust to allow it to continue issuing hearing aids during the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to commit extra resources to Grampian University Hospitals Trust to allow it to continue issuing hearing aids during the current financial year.","AnswerText":"Grampian Health Board and Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust have taken steps to ensure that hearing aids will continue to be issued during the current financial year. These steps did not require the Scottish Executive to commit extra resources to the Trust. Nor should they have. There has been record investment in the Health Service in Scotland this year. From £300 million extra allocated to health in Scotland, each health board received an increase substantially above inflation to meet the health care needs of their resident populations. It is for health boards and NHS Trusts to determine local priorities for expenditure of the monies allocated to them - but the Scottish Executive expects them to ensure that essential services are maintained. I am therefore pleased that Grampian Health Board and Grampian University Hospitals Trust have acted to reinstate the hearing aid service in full.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140778,"EventID":"S1W-03858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school boards there are at present in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school boards there are at present in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The latest published statistics (from May 1998) show a total of 2,268 school boards in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140779,"EventID":"S1W-03859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school board members there are at present in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school board members there are at present in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140780,"EventID":"S1W-03860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current school board members in Scotland have been appointed as opposed to elected and by which organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current school board members in Scotland have been appointed as opposed to elected and by which organisations.","AnswerText":"No school board members are appointed by outside organisations. School boards are made up of elected parent and staff members and other members co-opted by the school board. In denominational schools, one of the co-opted members must be nominated by the relevant denominational body. Information on numbers of school board members is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140781,"EventID":"S1W-03861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current school board members in Scotland are parent representatives and of these how many took their position as a result of a contested election.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current school board members in Scotland are parent representatives and of these how many took their position as a result of a contested election.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140782,"EventID":"S1W-03862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lord Advocate is responsible for legal advice given to (a) the Scottish Legal Aid Board, (b) the Scottish Prison Service and (c) the Scottish Criminal Case Re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lord Advocate is responsible for legal advice given to (a) the Scottish Legal Aid Board, (b) the Scottish Prison Service and (c) the Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission.","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate is responsible for legal advice given to the Scottish Prison Service. The Lord Advocate is not, however, responsible for legal advice given to the Scottish Legal Aid Board or the Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andrew Hardie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140783,"EventID":"S1W-03863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in cash terms the pay deal to nurses, doctors and other health workers will cost over the next three years and what percentage of the increase in the health care","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in cash terms the pay deal to nurses, doctors and other health workers will cost over the next three years and what percentage of the increase in the health care budget this will represent.","AnswerText":"The cost of meeting the 2000-01 pay recommendations of the Review Body for Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine (NPRB) and the Review Body for Doctors and Dentists (DDRB) over the next three years is as follows: £ million 2000-01 88.2 2001-02 89.9 2002-03 89.9 These costs represent 28.7% of the increases in the health service provision in both 2000-1 and 2001-02. The increase in health service provision for 2002-03 will be determined in the context of the 2000 Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140784,"EventID":"S1W-03864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish regular statistics on educational qualifications obtained by pupils in Scotland's special educational needs schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish regular statistics on educational qualifications obtained by pupils in Scotland's special educational needs schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to publish statistics on educational qualifications obtained by pupils in special schools.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140785,"EventID":"S1W-03865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to review nursery nurses' pay, conditions and career structure to ensure that these are commensurate with and appropriate to the qualifications","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to review nursery nurses' pay, conditions and career structure to ensure that these are commensurate with and appropriate to the qualifications, skills and duties required by their employment.","AnswerText":"The pay and conditions of nursery nurses are the responsibility of their employers, whether local authorities or operators in the private and voluntary sector; and as such are determined through local pay bargaining. The Executive is working with the early years sector to develop the careers structure for nursery nurses and other staff in early education, childcare and playwork. To date, this work has included: The Executive will bring forward proposals for further action later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140786,"EventID":"S1W-03866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will invite Caledonian MacBrayne to review its fares structure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will invite Caledonian MacBrayne to review its fares structure.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce today that I am inviting Caledonian MacBrayne to review the Company's ferry fares structure. This will include a review of CFARES policy objectives and an evaluation of the success or otherwise of the fares structure in delivering these. As well as consideration of the fares structure as a whole, there are particular areas of concern which I have invited the Company to consider including route specific increases; the 5-metre cut-off; the balance between commercial and passenger fares and peak and off-peak fares; and discounts to island residents and other concessionary schemes. The Company's present fares policy was introduced in 1992 and while much progress has been made the time is now right to review the success of the current policy and how this might be improved upon to produce a more efficient and effective outcome. In carrying out the review, the Company will wish to seek the views of ferry users and I hope all those with an interest will contribute.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140787,"EventID":"S1W-03867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are being made to finalise spending plans for the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are being made to finalise spending plans for the current financial year.","AnswerText":"I have today laid before Parliament a draft Order in Council - The Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Appropriations) Amendment Order 2000. Once approved, this will set out the Executive's final spending plans. I am also making available an accompanying draft explanatory booklet. Detailed further explanations will be discussed by the Finance Committee as part of the process of approving the Order.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140788,"EventID":"S1W-03868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to allocate resources which become available to the Executive as a result of decisions by Her Majesty's Government on the levels of fuel duty and tobacco ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to allocate resources which become available to the Executive as a result of decisions by Her Majesty's Government on the levels of fuel duty and tobacco duty.","AnswerText":"The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his pre-budget statement that in England, any increases to fuel duty and tobacco duty above the Retail Price Index would be hypothecated respectively to Transport and Health programmes. The Scottish Executive will receive a share of those hypothecated resources, calculated in accordance with the Barnett formula, but there is no requirement for the Scottish Executive to hypothecate any sums which become available under this arrangement. Nevertheless, we have decided that any such sums should be allocated to the Scottish Transport and Health programmes respectively. Decisions on the levels of fuel duty and tobacco duty will be announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in due course in budget speeches.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140789,"EventID":"S1W-03869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with special needs are currently being educated in non-mainstream schools (a) outwith their home town and (b) in their home town, in each local authorit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with special needs are currently being educated in non-mainstream schools (a) outwith their home town and (b) in their home town, in each local authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not collect information about pupils' home towns. Information is collected on the numbers of pupils attending publicly funded special schools within and outwith their own local authority. The information is provided in the table below. Table 1 Special Schools - September 1998 Analysis of SEN pupils based in publicly funded schools within their own local authority SEN Funding & Educating LA Pupils Aberdeen City 441 Aberdeenshire 389 Angus 0 Argyll & Bute 40 Clackmannanshire 43 Dumfries & Galloway 28 Dundee City 126 East Ayrshire 168 East Dunbartonshire 105 East Lothian 0 East Renfrewshire 29 Edinburgh, City of 738 Eilean Siar 0 Falkirk 258 Fife Special Schools - September 1998 Analysis of SEN pupils attending non-mainstream schools in each local authority Local All SEN Educating LA Authority Grant-aided Independent Pupils Aberdeen City 458 175 633 Aberdeenshire 390 390 Angus 0 Argyll & Bute 55 55 Clackmannanshire 58 28 86 Dumfries & Galloway 28 20 48 Dundee C","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140791,"EventID":"S1W-03871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public agency has the overall responsibility for co-ordinating the regeneration of Glasgow and what agreements are in place to allocate specific lead responsibility","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public agency has the overall responsibility for co-ordinating the regeneration of Glasgow and what agreements are in place to allocate specific lead responsibility for the key aspects or objectives of regeneration.","AnswerText":"The regeneration of Glasgow is being led by the Glasgow Alliance which, under the leadership of the local council, brings together the public sector agencies, the private sector and the community and voluntary sectors in Glasgow, to work together to change the city for the better. A copy of the Alliance's strategy document Creating Tomorrow's Glasgow has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140792,"EventID":"S1W-03872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data provided in the new publication Scottish Economic Statistics will be additional to that currently provided in the Statistical Bulletins (Industry Series).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data provided in the new publication Scottish Economic Statistics will be additional to that currently provided in the Statistical Bulletins (Industry Series).","AnswerText":"In addition to the statistical information which was historically provided in the former Scottish Office Industry Series of Statistical Bulletins, the Scottish Executive's new Scottish Economic Statistics publication, which is due for release in February, will include: In additional to providing a significant range of new information about Scotland's economy, by presenting this information in a single publication, it is anticipated that a deeper understanding and analysis of Scotland's economy will be developed.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140793,"EventID":"S1W-03873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-958 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 January 2000, when it intends to collate the information relating to the gross annual cost, includin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-958 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 January 2000, when it intends to collate the information relating to the gross annual cost, including salaries, office provision and support, and loan and leasing charges, of the delivery by local authorities of economic development services.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to collate these figures. However, the content of the Local Financial Returns is kept under constant review, balancing central Government's need for information against the burden the returns place on the local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140794,"EventID":"S1W-03874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it and the Chief Medical Officer have chosen 75 as the starting age for a free vaccination programme as opposed to the ages of 70 or 65 which exist in other countries","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it and the Chief Medical Officer have chosen 75 as the starting age for a free vaccination programme as opposed to the ages of 70 or 65 which exist in other countries.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer given to S1W-3687.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140795,"EventID":"S1W-03875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to increase the number of intensive therapy units and how many exist per capita compared to the rest of the UK and our EU partners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to increase the number of intensive therapy units and how many exist per capita compared to the rest of the UK and our EU partners.","AnswerText":"It is for health boards to determine the number of intensive therapy units required in their respective areas, in light of local needs and circumstances. The Report from the Audit Group of the Scottish Intensive Care Society Audit Group (SICSAG), which was published on Friday 28 January 2000, provides a very positive picture of intensive care in Scotland. It indicates that there are currently around 130 adult general ITU beds in Scotland, excluding coronary care units, neurosurgical ITU beds, cardiac surgical intensive care and paediatric intensive care beds. As I announced in Parliament on 3 February, we will be working with the Society and other relevant interests to examine the implications of the report for future provision. Information on the number of intensive therapy units in other EU countries is not available.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140796,"EventID":"S1W-03876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer or Her Majesty's Treasury to access additional money for the NHS in Scotland and when those represe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer or Her Majesty's Treasury to access additional money for the NHS in Scotland and when those representations were made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues, including spending on health.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140797,"EventID":"S1W-03877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to bring spending on the NHS to a position of parity with the EU average expressed in terms of a percentage of Gross Domestic Product spent on health care","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to bring spending on the NHS to a position of parity with the EU average expressed in terms of a percentage of Gross Domestic Product spent on health care.","AnswerText":"As pledged in the Programme for Government, the Scottish Executive will substantially increase NHS spending in real terms over the coming years. The actual increases will be determined in the context of the 2000 Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140798,"EventID":"S1W-03878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scottish Gross Domestic Product is spent on the NHS in Scotland and how this figure compares to the percentage spent by each of our EU partners and the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of Scottish Gross Domestic Product is spent on the NHS in Scotland and how this figure compares to the percentage spent by each of our EU partners and the EU average.","AnswerText":"The following table shows public expenditure on health as a proportion of GDP in Scotland and in countries within the European Community in 1997 - the latest year for which comparable data are available. Public Expenditure on Health as Percentage of GDP Country % Germany 8.3 Sweden 7.2 France 7.1 Belgium 6.7 Denmark 6.7 Luxembourg 6.4 Netherlands 6.2 Austria 6.0 United Kingdom 5.8 Finland 5.7 Spain 5.6 Italy 5.3 Greece 5.0 Ireland 4.9 Portugal 4.7 EU Average 6.5 Scotland 6.4 Notes: 1.The source of the data for European countries is the OECD healthcare database 1999. The estimate for Scotland is based on total NHS expenditure and an estimate of GDP at market prices. 2. OECD estimates of health expenditure as a percentage of GDP use GDP at market prices. Although this figure is available for the UK, separate estimates are not made of GDP at market prices for regions within the UK. To obtain a figure for GDP at market prices in Scotland the following method has been used: it has been assumed that the Scottish share of UK GDP at market prices (Including North Sea oil output) is the same as the share of GDP at factor cost. It should be noted that estimates of UK GDP at market prices may be subject to revision and this would affect the estimate of Scottish GDP at market prices. 3. The EU average has been estimated by weighting together the figures for individual European countries, with each country's GDP used as the relative weight. 4. Private expenditure on healthcare is excluded from these figures. Expenditure on the NHS in Scotland in 1997 was about the same percentage as the EU average although comparisons of health expenditure between countries should be treated with considerable caution. There are differences between countrie","AnswerDate":"2000-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140799,"EventID":"S1W-03879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the reduction in physiotherapy and occupational therapy outpatient treatment at Ninewells and Stracathro Hospitals will affect patient care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the reduction in physiotherapy and occupational therapy outpatient treatment at Ninewells and Stracathro Hospitals will affect patient care.","AnswerText":"Tayside University Hospital NHS Trust has advised that a combination of staff vacancies and winter pressures has affected its physiotherapy services. Physiotherapists at both Stracathro and Ninewells Hospitals are continuing to see urgent or acute outpatients and inpatients who would suffer potential long-term ill-effects from not receiving physiotherapy. Those with non-acute or chronic conditions are added to the physiotherapy outpatient waiting list. Occupational therapy services are busy and are also experiencing vacant posts but I understand the effect on the level of service has been less marked. The Trust indicates that every effort is being made to fill vacant posts. Further information is available from the Trust.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140800,"EventID":"S1W-03880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy is in place to ensure that boys receive effective sex education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy is in place to ensure that boys receive effective sex education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's policy is to encourage schools to tackle sex education within a comprehensive programme of health and social education for all pupils. This co-ordinated approach is designed to ensure the information about sex education is given, not in isolation, but as part of a programme that considers a number of issues relating to lifestyle choices and healthy living.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140801,"EventID":"S1W-03881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in years 1995 to 1999 inclusive caught infections during their stay in hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in years 1995 to 1999 inclusive caught infections during their stay in hospital.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140802,"EventID":"S1W-03882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to charge for GP or hospital visits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to charge for GP or hospital visits.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2000-11-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140803,"EventID":"S1W-03883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the continuation of the neurosurgical unit at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the continuation of the neurosurgical unit at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.","AnswerText":"A short-life Working Group has been created, under the chairmanship of the Chief Medical Officer, to review the provision of neurosurgical services throughout Scotland as a whole. This is part of the implementation of the Acute Services Review which was published in 1998. The Group will take account of the work of all four neurosurgical units, aiming to ensure that the services provided are of the highest quality and that neurosurgery centres in Scotland form an effective network.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140804,"EventID":"S1W-03884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to utilise private sector health providers in order to enhance patient care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to utilise private sector health providers in order to enhance patient care.","AnswerText":"The independent health care sector can be used by the NHS where NHS facilities are unable to provide a particular service or in circumstances when NHS services are under particular strain.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140805,"EventID":"S1W-03886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the total health spending to the current European average as a percentage of national income.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the total health spending to the current European average as a percentage of national income.","AnswerText":"As pledged in the Programme for Government, the Scottish Executive will substantially increase NHS spending in real terms over the coming years. The actual increases will be determined in the context of the 2000 Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2000-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140806,"EventID":"S1W-03887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, what percentage of outpatients were (a) seen within the nine week target set out in the Patient's Charter and (b) seen by a consultant on their first appointment for eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, what percentage of outpatients were (a) seen within the nine week target set out in the Patient's Charter and (b) seen by a consultant on their first appointment for each quarter for the years 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Information on the percentage of first outpatient appointments where the patient was seen within nine weeks of a General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner referral, for the periods requested, is given in the table. Data on the percentage of patients seen by a consultant at their first outpatient appointments is not centrally available. PERCENTAGE OF PATIENTS WHO RECEIVED THEIR FIRST OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENTS WITHIN NINE WEEKS FOLLOWING A GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONER/GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONER 1 Quarter Ended Percentage 30 June 1996 73 30 September 1996 69 31 December 1996 70 31 March 1997 71 30 June 1997 72 30 September 1997 67 31 December 1997 67 31 March 1998 68 30 June 1998 68 30 September 1998 64 31 December 1998 64 31 march 1999 64 30 June 1999 66 30 September 1999P 60 31 December 1999P 60 Source: ISD Scotland P Notes: 1. Information based on referrals by GMP/GDP only (excludes patients with a Patient's Charter guarantee exception code).","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140807,"EventID":"S1W-03888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve cancer outcomes and survival rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to improve cancer outcomes and survival rates.","AnswerText":"Improvements in survival from cancer are already evident. For example, five-year survival from breast cancer is now 75%, compared to 66% in the 1980s. In men with testicular cancer more than 90% are alive after five years. The Scottish Executive is determined to continue to tackle the challenges posed by cancer in all its forms and cancer is one of three clinical priorities for the NHS in Scotland. A great deal of work is already underway ranging from health promotion, earlier detection, improved treatment and care through to palliative and terminal care. This includes a continuing commitment to breast and cervical screening and a pilot programme of colorectal cancer screening. Led by the Scottish Cancer Group, cancer-specific managed clinical networks are being set in place. Underpinned by robust quality assurance/prospective audit systems and committed to sharing good practice for the benefit of patients across the country, the focus of these networks is on continuous quality improvements in patient care. Additional one stop clinics are being established and the reduction of waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment is a high priority for the Scottish Cancer Group. Clinical standards for cancer services - developed in collaboration with patients and carers - will be piloted during spring/summer 2000 by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140808,"EventID":"S1W-03889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to increase preventative action to help reduce the rising rates of cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to increase preventative action to help reduce the rising rates of cancer.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer I have given in response to question, S1W-3558.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140809,"EventID":"S1W-03890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to ensure the protection of the environment in the light of the announcement that the Scottish NATO Pol organisation has applied to the Hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to ensure the protection of the environment in the light of the announcement that the Scottish NATO Pol organisation has applied to the Health and Safety Executive for a variation license to handle certain explosives at Loch Striven.","AnswerText":"The issues raised relate to a formal licensing procedure between the Naval Bases and Supply Agency of the Ministry of Defence and the Health and Safety Executive. They are therefore reserved to the UK Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Home Robertson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140810,"EventID":"S1W-03891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to ensure that drugs for dementia are available to all those who require them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to ensure that drugs for dementia are available to all those who require them.","AnswerText":"In 1998, guidance on the use of new drugs for Alzheimer's disease produced by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee in England and endorsed by the National Medical Advisory Committee in Scotland, was issued to all relevant clinicians from the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer. This guidance remains extant.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140811,"EventID":"S1W-03892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the number of (a) registered dentists and (b) registered NHS dentists, by health board area for each of the last ten years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the number of (a) registered dentists and (b) registered NHS dentists, by health board area for each of the last ten years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of registered dentists and the number of dentists practising outwith the National Health Service in Scotland (NHSiS) is not available centrally. The number of general dental practitioners practising within the NHSiS by health board area over the past nine years is shown in the table below: General Dental Practitioners1, 2 Practising within the NHSiS by Health Board Area 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Scotland 1,656 1,680 1,774 1,770 1,776 1,767 1,802 1,855 1,931 Argyll & Clyde 157 160 165 170 167 166 166 166 153 Ayrshire & Arran 118 120 126 133 126 128 As recommended in the Occupational Health and Safety Service Strategy Towards a Safer Healthier Workplace, a working group is currently being set up to identify minimum datasets relating to staff health and safety. These will set employers a minimum standard of data collection, strengthen local monitoring and provide a platform on which to base local decisions and local action.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140813,"EventID":"S1W-03894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the plan to stop giving Tayside Health Board patients direct access endoscopies to detect colorectal, throat and stomach cancer will affect the care and lives of pati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the plan to stop giving Tayside Health Board patients direct access endoscopies to detect colorectal, throat and stomach cancer will affect the care and lives of patients.","AnswerText":"The NHS in Tayside has no plans to stop direct access to endoscopy services. Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust is consulting GPs about the introduction of protocols for referrals to the endoscopy service. The Trust believes the proposal would provide a more responsive service to better meet the needs of patients, including those who might be suffering from cancer.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140814,"EventID":"S1W-03895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund a Lothian and Borders Community Policing Team to undertake similar capital city policing duties for Edinburgh as are undertaken by the Metropolitan P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund a Lothian and Borders Community Policing Team to undertake similar capital city policing duties for Edinburgh as are undertaken by the Metropolitan Police in London.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities of the Metropolitan Police and Lothian and Borders Police are not directly comparable since the Met carry out a range of duties, including protecting the Royal Family, protecting embassies and counter-terrorism activities, on a UK basis. However, the methodology for the distribution of police GAE in Scotland is currently under review including whether there are special factors within individual force areas that need to be taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140815,"EventID":"S1W-03896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it still intends to construct a pedestrian footbridge across the A77 at Hansel Village, Symington.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it still intends to construct a pedestrian footbridge across the A77 at Hansel Village, Symington.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has included the scheme to provide a pedestrian footbridge across the A77 at Hansel Village, Symington within the trunk road programme for the next two years. Construction will be subject to the availability of funding and other competing trunk road priorities.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140816,"EventID":"S1W-03897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will (a) state the value of the capital receipt to the health service for the sale of the County Hospital, Ayr and (b) the total of security and other property","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will (a) state the value of the capital receipt to the health service for the sale of the County Hospital, Ayr and (b) the total of security and other property costs incurred in respect of the hospital between the final closure of the hospital and conclusion of missives for its sale and between the conclusion of missives and the final disposal of the property.","AnswerText":"Ayr County Hospital was sold for £501,000. Costs for security and maintenance between the date of closure and the final disposal of the property totalled £567,419.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140817,"EventID":"S1W-03898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to use private sector hospitals to assist NHS patients in future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to use private sector hospitals to assist NHS patients in future.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-03884.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140818,"EventID":"S1W-03899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it can play to encourage energy companies to install liquid petroleum gas supply points throughout the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it can play to encourage energy companies to install liquid petroleum gas supply points throughout the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds the Energy Savings Trust in Scotland to promote the use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles including supply points, primarily through the Trust's UK Powershift programme. In December 1999 I launched Shell's MotorGas fuel network which will further encourage an expanded LPG supply network in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140819,"EventID":"S1W-03900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to work with the automobile industry to encourage the production and sale of cars and small commercial vehicles using liquid petroleum gas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to work with the automobile industry to encourage the production and sale of cars and small commercial vehicles using liquid petroleum gas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds the Energy Savings Trust in Scotland to promote inter alia the UK Powershift programme which seeks to stimulate the market for clean fuel vehicles. Powershift is a government-backed initiative, in partnership with the supply and demand sides of the market aimed at creating a sustainable market for clean fuel vehicles.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140820,"EventID":"S1W-03901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the use of vehicles using liquid petroleum gas can play in reducing the high cost of transport for businesses in the Highlands and Islands and what action it pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the use of vehicles using liquid petroleum gas can play in reducing the high cost of transport for businesses in the Highlands and Islands and what action it proposes to take to encourage its use.","AnswerText":"Liquid petroleum gas can reduce vehicle running and maintenance costs. The Scottish Executive grant aids the Energy Savings Trust in Scotland to inter alia promote the UK Powershift programme which can fund from 25% to 75% of the additional cost of buying a clean fuel vehicle. The Scottish Executive is encouraging the Trust to use its funding to support projects in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140821,"EventID":"S1W-03902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the use of vehicles using liquid petroleum gas can play in reducing the environmental damage caused by vehicles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the use of vehicles using liquid petroleum gas can play in reducing the environmental damage caused by vehicles.","AnswerText":"Vehicles using liquid petroleum gas play a number of important roles in respect of the environment. They help reduce emissions of air pollutants that impact on local air quality, as well as reducing emissions of carbon dioxide. Compared to diesel vehicles used in heavy-duty applications, LPG vehicles emit considerably lower levels of nitrogen oxides and particles, which are harmful to health. LPG vehicles are also substantially quieter at low speeds than the diesel equivalents.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140822,"EventID":"S1W-03903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the new Scottish Law Commission has made in its review of the law of the foreshore and seabed and when it is expected to submit its report to the Scottish E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the new Scottish Law Commission has made in its review of the law of the foreshore and seabed and when it is expected to submit its report to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"The initial stage has been for the Scottish Law Commission and my officials to explore in detail the content and process of this review. This stage has now been completed. The commission will now begin reviewing the full range of relevant Scottish law and will also consider experience in other countries. On the basis of this, they will develop a Discussion Paper; and, in the light of responses received to that, they will then publish their final recommendations by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140823,"EventID":"S1W-03904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Scottish Media Group on their plans to re-organise their television division and the impact this may have on regional broadcasting","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Scottish Media Group on their plans to re-organise their television division and the impact this may have on regional broadcasting.","AnswerText":"SMG's television operations are a matter for the company itself, subject to its meeting its licence obligations to the Independent Television Commission.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140824,"EventID":"S1W-03905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve access to pen needles for people suffering from diabetes and what discussions, if any, have been held with the UK Department of Heal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve access to pen needles for people suffering from diabetes and what discussions, if any, have been held with the UK Department of Health on this issue.","AnswerText":"From 1 March, insulin pen needles and certain re-usable insulin pens have been prescribable by GPs on the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2000-12-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140825,"EventID":"S1W-03906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to undertake to restore stability in the market for milk and whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government to put in pla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to undertake to restore stability in the market for milk and whether it intends to make representations to Her Majesty's Government to put in place measures which will protect farmers against the development of any buyer's monopoly in the milk market.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has sympathy for dairy farmers who are in financial difficulty through having to adjust to lower raw milk prices. However, in what is now an unregulated market, the Executive's ability to influence the position is limited. Competition policy is a reserved matter and the Monopolies and Mergers' Commission produced a detailed report in February 1999 on the supply of raw cows' milk in Great Britain. Any evidence of anti-competitive behaviour should be passed direct to the Office of Fair Trading.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140826,"EventID":"S1W-03907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanism will be for payment of \"agrimoney\" to milk producers and how much will be paid out.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanism will be for payment of \"agrimoney\" to milk producers and how much will be paid out.","AnswerText":"The precise amounts of agrimonetary compensation available to UK milk producers as well as other agricultural sectors have yet to be determined. These will not be known until the European Commission publishes a Regulation later in February. Payments must be made on a UK-wide basis. Scotland cannot go it alone on this matter and I am therefore liasing closely with the other UK Agricultural Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140827,"EventID":"S1W-03908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last made representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to secure \"agrimoney\" for milk producers and whether it will place details of these representations i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last made representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to secure \"agrimoney\" for milk producers and whether it will place details of these representations in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I am currently giving careful consideration to the merits of paying further agrimonetary aid. Since Scotland cannot go it alone on this matter I am involved in on-going discussions with the other UK Agricultural Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140828,"EventID":"S1W-03909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted any form of consultation process on the reconvening of the Highlands and Islands Convention and upon the composition of its membership; if so to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted any form of consultation process on the reconvening of the Highlands and Islands Convention and upon the composition of its membership; if so to provide details and, if not, whether it will now conduct a consultation process with the public and relevant bodies.","AnswerText":"In reaching our decision we have taken into account the views of Convention members. We expect our proposals to be widely welcomed.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140829,"EventID":"S1W-03910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if the Highlands and Islands Convention is to be reconvened without including any MSPs, MPs or MEPs representing the Highlands and Islands, it will explain in de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if the Highlands and Islands Convention is to be reconvened without including any MSPs, MPs or MEPs representing the Highlands and Islands, it will explain in detail the reasons why.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the First Minister's answer to S1F-79 of Thursday 3 February.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140830,"EventID":"S1W-03911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is in favour of elected representatives of the Highlands and Islands working together on any reconvened Highlands and Islands Convention and, if not, why not.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is in favour of elected representatives of the Highlands and Islands working together on any reconvened Highlands and Islands Convention and, if not, why not.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the First Minister's answer to S1F-79 of Thursday 3 February.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alasdair Morrison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140831,"EventID":"S1W-03912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the Local Enterprise Companies which do not provide financial assistance for modern apprentices aged 18 and over.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the Local Enterprise Companies which do not provide financial assistance for modern apprentices aged 18 and over.","AnswerText":"Modern Apprenticeships, which are part of the Skillseekers programme, are primarily targeted at 16 and 17 year olds. Once LECs have provided training places for 16 and 17 year olds they have discretionary power to allocate funding to training for young people aged 18-24. All LECs do currently fund Modern Apprenticeships for 18-24 year olds but this funding is applied in each area according to specific criteria designed to meet the skills needs of the local and national economy and to take account of local labour markets. The funding of training for 18-24 year olds is being examined as part of the "Opportunities and Choices" consultation exercise on future developments in post-16 non-advanced education and training.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140832,"EventID":"S1W-03913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an evaluation of the Education Maintenance Allowance Programme being piloted by East Ayrshire Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an evaluation of the Education Maintenance Allowance Programme being piloted by East Ayrshire Council.","AnswerText":"Education Maintenance Allowances are being piloted in East Ayrshire over three years. The aim of the scheme is to encourage young people from low income families to stay in full-time education at school or FE college in order to achieve qualifications. The effect of EMAs on attendance and achievement rates will be monitored and evaluated during the pilot. A full evaluation will not be possible until the pilot is complete, but it is intended that an interim evaluation will be made at the end of the first year.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140833,"EventID":"S1W-03914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the first edition of the new Scottish Economic Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the first edition of the new Scottish Economic Report.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is today publishing the first edition of the new Scottish Economic Report as part of a new series of publications on the Scottish economy. Copies have been laid before the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140834,"EventID":"S1W-03915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government on what its estimate is for wage inflation in Scotland in 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government on what its estimate is for wage inflation in Scotland in 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to make any representations. However, we are frequently in touch with HM Treasury on pay issues.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140835,"EventID":"S1W-03916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to the same 5% above inflation rise in health spending as outlined recently by the Prime Minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to the same 5% above inflation rise in health spending as outlined recently by the Prime Minister.","AnswerText":"Health spending per head of population in Scotland is significantly higher than in England. Nevertheless, as pledged in the Programme for Government, the Scottish Executive will substantially increase NHS spending in real terms over the coming years. The actual increases will be determined in the context of the 2000 Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140836,"EventID":"S1W-03917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or information it has received from the World Health Organisation (WHO) with regard to the occurrence of specific strains of influen'a and related viruses fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or information it has received from the World Health Organisation (WHO) with regard to the occurrence of specific strains of influen'a and related viruses from July 1999; what vaccination programme the WHO proposed or suggested to combat the flu virus; what response the Scottish Executive made to that advice and whether this correspondence will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not receive advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on its influenza vaccination programme. The WHO meets each year with vaccine manufacturers to agree the composition of the influenza vaccine for the coming influenza season. This information is then circulated amongst vaccine manufacturers, National Influenza Centres and WHO Regional Offices and a press release with the relevant details is issued. The Department of Health in England then negotiates the purchase of vaccine on behalf of the UK Health Departments. The arrangements for the vaccination programme are for UK Health Departments acting on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140837,"EventID":"S1W-03918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it took in response to the recommendation of the World Health Organisation that vaccination programmes in the UK, including Scotland, should be extended ahead","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it took in response to the recommendation of the World Health Organisation that vaccination programmes in the UK, including Scotland, should be extended ahead of winter 1999.","AnswerText":"I would refer to the answer to question S1W-3917.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140838,"EventID":"S1W-03919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has commissioned or is aware of since 1997 on the various responses to winter flu outbreaks throughout Europe by member states; what future monitoring of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has commissioned or is aware of since 1997 on the various responses to winter flu outbreaks throughout Europe by member states; what future monitoring of international comparisons it intends to make and whether those comparisons will be published.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not commissioned any such analysis directly. We are however aware of the following research: Fedson DS et al vaccination in 22 developed countries: and update to 1995 - published in the journal Vaccine 1997 (vol 15 No 14 1506-1511). There are no plans to initiate any specific research in this area. However, The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) which provides advice to the Scottish Executive on such matters, acts as point of contact for the European Influenza Surveillance System (EISS) which allows collation and comparison of the behaviour of influenza outbreaks across Europe. The international behaviour of influenza outbreaks is also monitored by SCIEH through information circulated by the World Health Organization. SCIEH also holds information on influenza vaccination policies for European countries.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140839,"EventID":"S1W-03920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds are currently available within the NHS and how does this figure compare to the figures from 1997 onwards broken down by quarter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds are currently available within the NHS and how does this figure compare to the figures from 1997 onwards broken down by quarter.","AnswerText":"The number of NHS average available staffed beds for the quarters ending 31 March 1997 to 30 September 1999, the latest period for which information is centrally available, is given in the table. NHS IN SCOTLAND: AVERAGE AVAILABLE STAFFED BEDS1 Quarter Ending Average Available Staffed Beds March 1997 39,073 June 1997 38,602 September 1997 37,883 December 1997 37,723 March 1998 37,788 June 1998 36,962 September 1998 36,396 December 1998 36,007 March 1999 36,140 June 1999 35,328 September 1999p 34,679 Source: ISD Scotland p Notes: 1. Includes beds in non-NHS locations (e.g. joint users and contractual hospitals) for use by NHS patients. The aggregate sterling value of individual EU programmes is dependent on the euro/sterling exchange rate at the time that money is drawn down from the European Commission. These draw-downs will continue over the next two years as grants are paid out under the 1994-1999 EU programmes. The impact of currency fluctuations will not therefore be known until 2002. The £2.5 million figure quoted at the Rural Affairs Committee meeting represented an interim estimate of the effects of exchange rates on the sterling value of EU resources drawn down, at various exchange rates, and in several instalments since 1994, which have been allocated to the Highlands and Islands Agricultural Programme. This figure will be subject to change depending on exchange rates between the time that the £2.5 million was calculated and 2002.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140843,"EventID":"S1W-03924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether health boards are able to contribute capital funding to housing associations and local authorities to facilitate adaptations to (a) allow disabled tenants to rema","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether health boards are able to contribute capital funding to housing associations and local authorities to facilitate adaptations to (a) allow disabled tenants to remain in residence; (b) to alleviate future health problems of disabled tenants, or (c) where there would be an improvement in health for a disabled tenant or members of their household.","AnswerText":"Any tenant seeking an aid or adaptation to their premises should in the first instance raise the matter with their landlord. Health boards may, if they think fit, make payments to local authorities and housing associations for, among other matters, the provision of housing. Latest figures show that local authority social work departments spent £15 million on aids and adaptations in 1997-98. Scottish Homes issued good practice guidance last year on the provision of adaptations. The guidance is aimed at housing associations, local authorities, private landlords and others and sets a list of bodies responsible for the provision of aids or equipment for all housing sectors.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140844,"EventID":"S1W-03925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which air quality monitoring sites failed to meet the targets of four days and 35 days for particulate levels in each of the last three years and on how many days in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which air quality monitoring sites failed to meet the targets of four days and 35 days for particulate levels in each of the last three years and on how many days in each year each site failed to meet either of these targets.","AnswerText":"Air quality statistics for particulates are not available for all Scottish monitoring sites for each of the last three years. The information available is as follows:- Air Quality Statistics for Particulates (PM10) Site Type Year Days exceedence Edinburgh Centre Edinburgh Centre Edinburgh Centre Glasgow Centre Glasgow Centre Glasgow Centre Glasgow Kerbside Glasgow Kerbside URBAN CENTRE URBAN CENTRE URBAN CENTRE URBAN CENTRE URBAN CENTRE URBAN CENTRE KERBSIDE KERBSIDE 1997 1998 1999 1997 1998 1999 1998 1999 3 0 2* 14 6 6* 64 28* * Provisional","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140845,"EventID":"S1W-03926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the number of new business start ups in Scotland dropped to their lowest level in five years in the third quarter of 1999 and what plans it has to reverse this declin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the number of new business start ups in Scotland dropped to their lowest level in five years in the third quarter of 1999 and what plans it has to reverse this decline.","AnswerText":"The level of new business start-ups in Scotland is determined by a range of factors, including the overall state of the Scottish and UK economies. The quarterly GDP statistics indicate that the Scottish economy experienced a modest slowdown in the rates of GDP growth over the first half of 1999, along with UK and other European economies. However, the most recent economic indicators are favourable and the latest forecasts suggest that growth in Scotland will accelerate from 2000 in line with the UK. We also have a number of specific initiatives in hand to increase the number of start-up businesses assisted by the enterprise network, and to improve the quality and consistency of advice and support for small businesses across Scotland. We will announce details of these improvements shortly.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140846,"EventID":"S1W-03927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the current plans for the Abbotsholm Business Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement on the current plans for the Abbotsholm Business Park.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask the Chairman of that organisation to write to Mr Gibson.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140847,"EventID":"S1W-03928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Parliament will be asked to approve a Special Grant Order removing the legal hurdle which prevents the Home Office paying money to Scottish local aut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Parliament will be asked to approve a Special Grant Order removing the legal hurdle which prevents the Home Office paying money to Scottish local authorities.","AnswerText":"We expect to lay two Special Grant Reports before the Scottish Parliament shortly. They will reimburse local authorities in Scotland for the costs they have incurred during 1999-2000 in (a) supporting asylum seekers in Scotland and (b) receiving and housing refugees from Kosovo who arrived in May 1999 under the UN Humanitarian Evacuation Programme. The first report follows in a series of Local Government Finance Reports laid annually before the UK Parliament. The Second Report is in response to the exceptional needs of the Kosovan Humanitarian Evacuation Programme.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140848,"EventID":"S1W-03929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-3620 by Sir David Steel on 20 January 2000, whether the materials removed from the Holyrood site were sent to landfill or for land r","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-3620 by Sir David Steel on 20 January 2000, whether the materials removed from the Holyrood site were sent to landfill or for land reclamation use and, if so, what percentage was sent for each purpose.","AnswerText":"The material removed from the Holyrood site following the demolition of the old Scottish & Newcastle buildings became the property of the demolition contractor. Amounts and percentages of how much of that material went to landfill, land reclamation or other uses are not known, though it is understood that some went for land reclamation at Leith.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-10-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140849,"EventID":"S1W-03930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide to MSPs a copy of the survey and sources of information referred to in its document A New Single Social Housing Tenancy for Scotland: Rights and O","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide to MSPs a copy of the survey and sources of information referred to in its document A New Single Social Housing Tenancy for Scotland: Rights and Obligations and Opportunities which support the conclusion that \"Some 83% of all Scots aspire to own their own homes and even more strikingly, close to 3 out of 5 current council tenants share that aspiration\".","AnswerText":"I would refer Elaine Smith to Tables 1 and 2 of the recently published information paper Evolving the Right to Buy: Evidence for Scotland. A copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. The figure of 83% relates to Heads of Household between the ages of 40 and 59. I regret that this was not made clear in the earlier publication.","AnswerDate":"2000-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140850,"EventID":"S1W-03931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits it envisages for housing associations in pursuing charitable status and whether it intends to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the existing char","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits it envisages for housing associations in pursuing charitable status and whether it intends to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the existing charity laws which could subsequently change the status and rights of tenants of registered charitable housing associations.","AnswerText":"It is for housing associations to evaluate the full implications for themselves of seeking recognition from the Inland Revenue that their association should enjoy charitable status. Charitable status could affect their tax liability, but they would also need to ensure that their activities were in line with the agreed charitable purposes. With regard to existing charity law, the Scottish Executive announced to Parliament on 3 November 1999 that an independent commission would be established to review and reform charity law in Scotland. Ministers are currently considering the chair, membership, remit and timetable of the commission and a further announcement will be made to the Parliament in due course.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140851,"EventID":"S1W-03932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow gets a \"fair deal\" in terms of the allocation of resources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow gets a \"fair deal\" in terms of the allocation of resources.","AnswerText":"The budget of the Scottish Executive is allocated fairly across Scotland. Financial plans for 2000-01 include: £914 million allocated to Glasgow Health Board; £830 million local authority grant to Glasgow City Council; £51 million for Glasgow Development Agency; £45 million local authority gross non housing capital allocation. Dundas Brothers Ltd, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire William Forrest & Sons (Paisley) Ltd, Newarthill, Motherwell","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140854,"EventID":"S1W-03935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has had as to whether the Cubie recommendations do or do not breach EU law and whether there is a possibility of the recommendations being legally ch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has had as to whether the Cubie recommendations do or do not breach EU law and whether there is a possibility of the recommendations being legally challengeable.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has considered the legal implications of the Cubie recommendations. It has concluded that, were these recommendations to be implemented, there would be a serious risk of the UK being held to be in breach of EU law, insofar as these recommendations extended to Scottish domiciled students attending institutions in other parts of the UK. The Executive's own proposals which have just been announced are accordingly restricted to Scottish and EU students attending institutions in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140855,"EventID":"S1W-03936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-851 and S1W-3472 by Henry McLeish on 5 November 1999 and 11 January 2000 respectively, whether it will lay the Quigley Report bef","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-851 and S1W-3472 by Henry McLeish on 5 November 1999 and 11 January 2000 respectively, whether it will lay the Quigley Report before the Parliament and what plans it has for a debate on it.","AnswerText":"The Quigley Committee's report which is required to be delivered by April 2000 will be placed in the Scottish Parliament at the same time as it is laid before the Westminster Parliament. The Scottish Executive will consider its response when it has received the report.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140856,"EventID":"S1W-03937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available additional funding to meet the cost for the recruitment of 25 additional police officers as requested by Lothian and Borders Police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available additional funding to meet the cost for the recruitment of 25 additional police officers as requested by Lothian and Borders Police.","AnswerText":"It is for Chief Constables, in consultation with their Police Authorities, to determine their staffing priorities within GAE levels. The methodology for the distribution of police GAE in Scotland is currently under review including whether there are special factors within individual force areas that need to be taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140857,"EventID":"S1W-03938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional money, over and above anything previously announced before 17 January 2000, will be made available to health boards to meet the national pay settlements a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional money, over and above anything previously announced before 17 January 2000, will be made available to health boards to meet the national pay settlements announced on that day, whether as stated by the Prime Minister health spending is \"too low at the moment\" and what plans it has to rectify that position.","AnswerText":"The costs of the national pay settlements announced on 17 January 2000 will be met from within the allocations made to Health Boards for 2000-01 which were announced on 6 January 2000. These allocations provide a 5% increase over the 1999-2000 general allocations. Health spending in Scotland is at record levels with expenditure of £5.2 billion planned for 2000-01. We have pledged in the "Programme for Government" to substantially increase NHS spending in real terms over the coming years. The actual increases will be determined in the context of the 2000 Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140858,"EventID":"S1W-03939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the absence of any formal right of appeal under the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme 1999 may constitute a breach of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundam","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the absence of any formal right of appeal under the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme 1999 may constitute a breach of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.","AnswerText":"The current options available to a farmer to challenge a decision by the Scottish Executive under the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme 1999, or any other agricultural subsidy scheme, include asking for Judicial Review in the Court of Session. Whether Judicial Review provides adequate and full review to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights depends on the applicant's complaints and the context. The European Court of Human Rights has accepted that the availability of Judicial Review may well be adequate. In any case the Scottish Executive has undertaken to create a new right of challenge for administrative decisions (currently out for consultation), which would complement any rights to Judicial Review and would be sufficient for the purposes of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140859,"EventID":"S1W-03940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a consultation process as to the way in which the provisions, under article 11.1A of the EC Regulation ((EEC) 3887/92), which relate to the admi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a consultation process as to the way in which the provisions, under article 11.1A of the EC Regulation ((EEC) 3887/92), which relate to the administration of claims under the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) and in particular with regard to an application which \"contains errors other than those made intentionally or by serious negligence\", are interpreted and, if so, whether it will include in the consultation paper the practice and precedent in other EU member states as to the interpretation of the \"obvious error\" rule; whether its application of the IACS rules under 11.1A has been strict upon applicants in the imposition of penalties and its interpretation of the \"obvious error\" rule, and how its application of the IACS rules has compared with the approach adopted by other EU states.","AnswerText":"All EU Regulations, which impact on producers, were the subject of detailed scrutiny by the Red Tape Review panel of industry representatives. Their report was handed over on 26 January and I am now considering the recommendations. The Panel investigated the perception that the UK over-interprets EC Regulations and applies them more stringently than other member states but concluded this was not the case. The Panel did have a concern about the proportionality of some penalties imposed by the EU Regulations, especially where they are the result of inadvertent error in completing the forms and about the lack of flexibility in the imposition of those penalties. I share these concerns and intend to pursue them with the EU.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140860,"EventID":"S1W-03941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be co-operating fully with the National Audit Office in the latter's consideration of the written undertakings given by Lord Sewel on 18 February 1999 tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be co-operating fully with the National Audit Office in the latter's consideration of the written undertakings given by Lord Sewel on 18 February 1999 that all applications under the original and revised Agricultural Business Improvement Scheme would be accommodated; whether it has sought or will seek from Lord Sewel an explanation for his decision; and whether his decision was the correct one.","AnswerText":"I refer Mr Ewing to the answer I gave to question S1W-3495 on 2 October 2000.","AnswerDate":"2000-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140861,"EventID":"S1W-03942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the regulations governing EU agricultural subsides and whether the existing rules punish cases of inadvertent error.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the regulations governing EU agricultural subsides and whether the existing rules punish cases of inadvertent error.","AnswerText":"The Regulations governing EU agricultural subsidies are reviewed regularly by Agricultural Departments in the UK on an individual and collective basis. The need for change is also discussed regularly with the EU and the other member states before revisions are introduced. The Regulations are designed to deter fraudulent activity and serious negligence. We do, however, feel that in some instances the penalties imposed by the EU Regulations appear disproportionate, especially where they are applied following inadvertent errors on the forms. We are having ongoing discussion with the EU on this matter, but whilst we have been able to secure some changes to the Regulations to allow acceptance of some errors, we do not feel that these go far enough. We are continuing to pursue the possibility that further discretion should be given to member states.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140862,"EventID":"S1W-03943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its intention to eliminate fuel poverty over two terms of the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its intention to eliminate fuel poverty over two terms of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Executive's programme is set out in the Programme for Government document. We are committed to a Healthy Homes Initiative which will improve energy efficiency in 100,000 houses by 2003.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140863,"EventID":"S1W-03944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3276 by Mr Jack McConnell on 21 January 2000, whether it will quantify the estimated end year flexibility within the Education, Cul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3276 by Mr Jack McConnell on 21 January 2000, whether it will quantify the estimated end year flexibility within the Education, Culture and Sport budget and specify what it has been allocated to.","AnswerText":"As a result of the end year flexibility arrangements £1.8 million was held within the Education, Culture and Sport budget. This was allocated on the basis of £1 million to Scottish Opera and £0.8 million to Historic Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sam Galbraith","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140864,"EventID":"S1W-03945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, pursuant to the published letter sent by Commissioner Fran' Fischler to Mr Ben Gill, President of the National Farmers' Union of England and Wales, it will take ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, pursuant to the published letter sent by Commissioner Fran' Fischler to Mr Ben Gill, President of the National Farmers' Union of England and Wales, it will take action under article 87(2)(b) of the Treaty of Rome to ask the European Commission for permission to aid the pig industry in mitigating the additional costs resultant from the BSE crisis.","AnswerText":"Given that BSE controls apply throughout the UK, it is almost certain that the EU would not approve measures for Scotland alone under article 87(2)(b) of the Treaty. The most significant BSE-related cost borne by the pig industry has been the prohibition of porcine MBM in animal feed. Commissioner Fischler, however, in his letter to Ben Gill queried whether the effects of the BSE crisis could continue to be regarded as exceptional circumstances. Nevertheless, the Scottish Executive, in conjunction with other UK Agriculture Departments, will continue to explore whether there are factors which would meet the State Aid requirements, bearing in mind the need to target those most in need, namely the pig farmers.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140865,"EventID":"S1W-03946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Minister for Transport and the Environment, in her answer to question S1O-803 on 9 December 1999, did not advise the Parliament of the existence of the Shadow Str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Minister for Transport and the Environment, in her answer to question S1O-803 on 9 December 1999, did not advise the Parliament of the existence of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority's Infrastructure Funds or of the budget available over a three year period under the Rail Passenger Transport Scheme and Infrastructure Fund; whether her answers in relation to the Rail Passenger Partnership Schemes apply equally to the Infrastructure Fund, and what the estimated value is of applications currently the subject of consultation between it and the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority with respect to services in, and originating or terminating in, Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Infrastructure Investment Fund has yet to be launched by the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority. This is awaiting the outcome of the Rail Regulator's review of Railtrack's track access charging regime, expected to report this summer. Consequently no applications have been lodged for support under this scheme. When launched, the scheme will be targeted at infrastructure "pinch points" throughout the GB rail network. The combined budget for the Infrastructure Investment Fund and the Railway Passenger Partnership (RPP) is £105 million for the period 1999-2002. To date, £800,000 of RPP funding has been awarded to Edinburgh Crossrail.","AnswerDate":"2000-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140866,"EventID":"S1W-03947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2666 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 1999, whether it has any plans to provide air support services for other emergency services an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2666 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 1999, whether it has any plans to provide air support services for other emergency services and, if so, to detail them.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service already receives funding of some £4 million for the Patient Air Transport Service which it provides. There are no plans to provide air support for the fire service.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140867,"EventID":"S1W-03948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3107 by Rhona Brankin on 22 December 1999, whether a meeting has been arranged to discuss the issue of community involvement in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3107 by Rhona Brankin on 22 December 1999, whether a meeting has been arranged to discuss the issue of community involvement in the ownership of football clubs and whether representatives from Aberdeen Football Club Supporters Association will be invited to attend any such meeting to expand on their initiative on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have invited the football authorities in Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Football Supporters to let me have their views in writing by 11 February on the ideas discussed in the Co-operative Party's pamphlet Mutualism - A Golden Goal?. The issue was raised at a meeting Mr Sam Galbraith and I had with these and other bodies on 18 January. At their request, I met Ms Cathy Jamieson MSP, Mike Watson MSP and Mr Joe Hill (Co-operative Party) on 25 January to discuss the issue of supporter involvement in football clubs. I have no plans to meet the Aberdeen Football Club Supporters Association or any other group associated with an individual club; but if they or any other bodies or individuals wish to submit views in writing, we would be pleased to consider them.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140868,"EventID":"S1W-03949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that all Non-Departmental Public Bodies are subjecting their public contracts to competitive tender; whether such bodies have been using competiti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that all Non-Departmental Public Bodies are subjecting their public contracts to competitive tender; whether such bodies have been using competitive tendering for such contracts since 1997 and, if there were exceptions, whether it will provide details.","AnswerText":"The majority of Scottish Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies have an advisory role and therefore do not tender contracts. Those that do have mechanisms in place to ensure competitive tendering procedures are followed. Since 1997, these have accorded with HM Treasury's model financial memorandum which states that "Contracts shall be placed on a competitive basis, and the lowest cost tender accepted, unless there are good reasons to the contrary". The Scottish Executive has exempted NDPBs from competitive tendering in a few cases due to the specialist nature of the service required.","AnswerDate":"2000-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140869,"EventID":"S1W-03950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage local enterprise companies to offer continuing advice to small businesses after they have received grant or loan assistance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage local enterprise companies to offer continuing advice to small businesses after they have received grant or loan assistance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has regular contact with both Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise on the local delivery of business support and other issues. While decisions on support for specific businesses are for the enterprise network, we are keen to improve the quality and consistency of advice available across Scotland, and I hope to announce details of new initiatives soon. In supporting the small business sector it is important to ensure that assistance is tailored to the needs of the business concerned, and that this includes appropriate aftercare arrangements. As an example, I understand, the HIE Network operates a structured aftercare programme for all businesses in receipt of Network assistance. This is both to protect the investment of public funds and also to help the continuing development of individual businesses.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140870,"EventID":"S1W-03951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the Over Thirty Months Scheme with regard to agreeing a birth date from which cattle over thirty months old will be allowed to be sold for hu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the Over Thirty Months Scheme with regard to agreeing a birth date from which cattle over thirty months old will be allowed to be sold for human consumption.","AnswerText":"The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) began a review of the thirty month rule in November 1998. The Committee's conclusion, announced on 22 December 1999, was that no change should be made at this time as it may reintroduce an unacceptable level of risk. The Committee also recommended that the existing controls continue to be rigorously enforced, but that it will continue to keep the position under review. This advice has been accepted by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140871,"EventID":"S1W-03952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value it places on the role of Grampian Television in the maintenance of cultural diversity in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value it places on the role of Grampian Television in the maintenance of cultural diversity in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Grampian Television makes a valuable contribution to the culture of Scotland, particularly of the North of Scotland. Its provision is required to comply with the licence conditions of the Independent Television Commission.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140872,"EventID":"S1W-03953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any outstanding parliamentary questions lodged by Ian Welsh and whether these will still be answered and published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any outstanding parliamentary questions lodged by Ian Welsh and whether these will still be answered and published.","AnswerText":"Any outstanding parliamentary questions lodged by Ian Welsh were treated as withdrawn following his resignation.","AnswerDate":"2000-09-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140873,"EventID":"S1W-03954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it was possible for Chris Mullin MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, in a letter of 11 January 2000 to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it was possible for Chris Mullin MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, in a letter of 11 January 2000 to the secretary of Glasgow Prestwick International Airport Consultative Committee, to refer to Sarah Boyack's answer to question S1W-2922, which has not been answered in the Parliament and how many days elapse on average between answers to Parliamentary Questions being finalised and being given by e-mail to the relevant MSP and the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-2922 tabled by Mr Ian Welsh referred to the Scottish Airports and Air services Study which is currently being undertaken jointly by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and the Scottish Executive. A draft response to the question was passed by the Scottish Executive to DETR for comment, where it was incorrectly assumed, at the time of Mr Mullin's letter, that the question had been formally answered. Mr Welsh had, however, resigned his seat in the Scottish Parliament by the time Mr Mullin's reply was issued and the question was not subsequently answered.","AnswerDate":"2000-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140874,"EventID":"S1W-03955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial help is to be made available to East Ayrshire Council following the severe winds which started on Boxing Day 1998 and lasted into the first few days of 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial help is to be made available to East Ayrshire Council following the severe winds which started on Boxing Day 1998 and lasted into the first few days of 1999.","AnswerText":"I am glad to announce that East Ayrshire Council is eligible for a payment of £243,352 under the Bellwin Scheme. The Scheme was triggered on 8 April 1999 following representation from several councils in the central belt and south west of Scotland on costs directly associated with the immediate aftermath of the Boxing Day storms. There has been close liaison between the Scottish Executive and East Ayrshire Council on the eligibility of its claim. The Council's costs were primarily in the revenue costs of removing fallen trees and safeguarding structures that endangered the public safety and in meeting the uninsured excesses of insurance claims for over 7,000 damaged premises.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140875,"EventID":"S1W-03956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine, qualify and register persons working in private and local authority owned fitness centres and gymnasia or as personal trainers in their clie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine, qualify and register persons working in private and local authority owned fitness centres and gymnasia or as personal trainers in their clients' own homes.","AnswerText":"With financial assistance from sportscotland, Fitness Scotland has set up the National Exercise and Fitness Register which vets, registers and monitors the qualifications of exercise and fitness professionals. The public can therefore check that they are receiving instruction from people who are appropriately qualified.
","AnswerDate":"2000-06-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135551,"EventID":"S1O-01890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its social justice action plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its social justice action plan.","AnswerText":"The Social Justice action plan has two parts, firstly the work within the Communities portfolio on \"empowering communities\" and secondly the work of delivering on the Social Justice milestones. A consultation on the former will be published before the parliamentary recess. The second part is being taken forward by all the Executive's departments and is being discussed in the context of the Spending Review.
","AnswerDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140490,"EventID":"S1W-03566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a standardised age restricted sales law for products, such as alcohol and tobacco, whose sale is restricted on age grounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a standardised age restricted sales law for products, such as alcohol and tobacco, whose sale is restricted on age grounds.","AnswerText":"Products and services subject to age restriction are wide-ranging and some are governed by consumer protection legislation which is reserved. However, the Scottish Executive is examining measures for better enforcement of the law to tackle those who make illegal sales to young people within the powers available to the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140491,"EventID":"S1W-03567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of births were induced in each health board area in each of 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of births were induced in each health board area in each of 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99.","AnswerText":"Figures for the calendar years 1997, 1998 and 1999 are shown in the table below.
","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140542,"EventID":"S1W-03618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct and advise the Strategic Rail Authority that the franchise for the East Coast line must include a contract to electrify the section from Edinburgh ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct and advise the Strategic Rail Authority that the franchise for the East Coast line must include a contract to electrify the section from Edinburgh to Aberdeen within a reasonable timescale.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the devolution settlement for railways announced on 31 March 1998, the Scottish Ministers will be able to issue guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority for daytime cross-border passenger rail services. This may cover matters such as frequency and journey times but not infrastructure as such. It is then for the train operating company and Railtrack to ensure the availability of the necessary infrastructure to meet the terms of the franchise.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140543,"EventID":"S1W-03619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-3268 by Sir David Steel on 27 December 1999, to specify the amount of power expected to be generated by solar panels in the Holyrood","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-3268 by Sir David Steel on 27 December 1999, to specify the amount of power expected to be generated by solar panels in the Holyrood building and the approximate percentage of the domestic water supply to be provided by this method.","AnswerText":"The solar panels to be installed in the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood are expected to generate 24,000 kw per annum of primary energy. This will heat an estimated 400,000 litres per annum of domestic hot water which will be equivalent to 16% of the total hot water consumption for the complex.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140544,"EventID":"S1W-03620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-3275 by Sir David Steel on 27 December 1999, to specify the percentage and amount of materials from the Holyrood site retained for p","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-3275 by Sir David Steel on 27 December 1999, to specify the percentage and amount of materials from the Holyrood site retained for possible future use and the percentage and amount of materials from the site that have been otherwise disposed of.","AnswerText":"Following demolition of the old Scottish & Newcastle buildings on the Holyrood site 390 pallets of stone were retained for possible use in the construction of the new Scottish Parliament building. This stone will be quantified and quality tested before use. All other materials were removed from the site by the demolition contractor, who had responsibility for its disposal. Amounts or percentage comparisons are not known.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140545,"EventID":"S1W-03621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight it gives to the need to police the M74 and A75 when considering the allocation of resources to Dumfries and Galloway Police Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight it gives to the need to police the M74 and A75 when considering the allocation of resources to Dumfries and Galloway Police Force.","AnswerText":"The allocation of police officers to specific individual tasks is an operational matter for Chief Constables. The 2000-01 GAE settlement took into account a needs assessment made by individual forces.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140546,"EventID":"S1W-03622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what use has been made of the video conferencing facilities in Parliament buildings to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what use has been made of the video conferencing facilities in Parliament buildings to date.","AnswerText":"Video conferencing facilities at the Parliament have been used by Members and staff to connect to a number of academic establishments, to Scottish Executive sites, and as part of an international link-up in conjunction with the United Nations AIDS conference held last year. In both the specialties mentioned, it is expected that there will be a significant increase in the SpR establishment this year. These doctors undertake a five to six year period of specialist training to gain a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) after which they are eligible to apply for consultant posts. During this higher specialist training period SpRs carry out clinical duties across the range of the relevant speciality.
","AnswerDate":"2000-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140601,"EventID":"S1W-03678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3423 by Sarah Boyack on 16 December 1999, whether this answer confirms that the entire final costs of the proposed Public Private P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3423 by Sarah Boyack on 16 December 1999, whether this answer confirms that the entire final costs of the proposed Public Private Partnerships for the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh motorway extension will be paid for from the Scottish Consolidated Fund.","AnswerText":"A Public Private Partnership approach to the procurement of the M77 between Fenwick and Malletsheugh will be pursued provided that this approach demonstrates value for money. The entire costs of the procurement would then be paid from the Scottish Consolidated Fund.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140602,"EventID":"S1W-03679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken every measure available to it to prevent the collapse of the Scottish pig industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken every measure available to it to prevent the collapse of the Scottish pig industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the serious difficulties presently facing the Scottish pig industry and the impact which this is having on employment both on farm and in the processing sector. It has taken a number of measures to strengthen the marketing position of the industry and despite the very tight EU pigs regime and State Aid constraints which severely limit the scope for providing any direct aid is exploring every avenue to assist the sector.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140603,"EventID":"S1W-03680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process is being used to determine the location of the headquarters for the Scottish University for Industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process is being used to determine the location of the headquarters for the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"We will decide on a location for the Scottish University for Industry headquarters following a detailed option appraisal in the light of the business case. The option appraisal is being conducted by the Scottish Executive in collaboration with the Scottish UfI Development Team.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140604,"EventID":"S1W-03681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crichton Campus in Dumfries is one of the locations being considered for the headquarters of the Scottish University for Industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crichton Campus in Dumfries is one of the locations being considered for the headquarters of the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"Detailed consideration is presently being given to a number of sites, including the Crichton Campus, to ensure a location that best meets the business requirements of the Scottish University for Industry is identified.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140605,"EventID":"S1W-03682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister will use his visit to Crichton Campus in Dumfries on 21 January as an opportunity to consider its suitability as the location of the headquarte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister will use his visit to Crichton Campus in Dumfries on 21 January as an opportunity to consider its suitability as the location of the headquarters of the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"Detailed consideration is being given to a number of potential sites including the Crichton Campus. The purpose of the First Minister's visit on 21 January was to open officially the Crichton Campus which is a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, the University of Paisley, Bell College and Dumfries and Galloway College.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140606,"EventID":"S1W-03683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3181 by Sarah Boyack on 23 December 1999, whether any specific representations have been made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3181 by Sarah Boyack on 23 December 1999, whether any specific representations have been made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the level of excise duty on heavy vehicles and its impact on the trading position of Scottish road haulage firms and, if so, (a) what were they and (b) what answer was received.","AnswerText":"I have nothing to add to my answer of 23 December.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140607,"EventID":"S1W-03684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3178 by Henry McLeish on 23 December 1999, what its target percentage is for private funding in the higher and further education se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3178 by Henry McLeish on 23 December 1999, what its target percentage is for private funding in the higher and further education sectors and whether it has any plans to sell off to any consortia any interests the Executive holds in institutions active in these sectors.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no target percentage for private funding in the higher and further education sectors. As autonomous bodies, the institutions themselves are free to attract private funding as they wish. The Executive does not own higher and further education institutions but retains an interest in the disposal of assets that were publicly funded.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140608,"EventID":"S1W-03685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will supplement the work of the Drug Enforcement Agency by reviewing and amending existing drug treatment programmes for addicts, such as the methadone program","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will supplement the work of the Drug Enforcement Agency by reviewing and amending existing drug treatment programmes for addicts, such as the methadone programme, in the light of the death of 15 year old Kerry-Ann Kirk, from Coatbridge.","AnswerText":"It is for the statutory authorities, in liaison with local Drug Action Teams, to ensure that there is an appropriate range of treatment services for drug misusers in line with the national objectives set out in Scotland's drugs strategy. The success of methadone treatment in reducing crime, deaths, disease and drug use is well documented. In light, however, of the tragic death of Kerry-Ann Kirk, the Executive is asking all health boards to report on the steps that they have taken to ensure that, wherever practicable, methadone is taken under supervision. That includes addressing problems that may arise over weekend and holiday periods. The balance of benefit is hugely in favour of prescribing methadone, but we must ensure that its use is safe and watertight.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Angus MacKay","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140609,"EventID":"S1W-03686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will obtain from local authorities a detailed breakdown of the cost of recovery of council tax and poll tax arrears through the summary debt collection procedu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will obtain from local authorities a detailed breakdown of the cost of recovery of council tax and poll tax arrears through the summary debt collection procedure for the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials undertook to examine this matter for the Justice and Home Affairs Committee. I have today laid in the SPICe a copy of the letter to the clerk.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140610,"EventID":"S1W-03687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make funding available to ensure that a comprehensive immunisation programme against flu is in place for the over 65s and vulnerable groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make funding available to ensure that a comprehensive immunisation programme against flu is in place for the over 65s and vulnerable groups.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides funding for flu immunisation and issues guidance in accordance with medical advice on those who would most benefit from vaccination.
","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140635,"EventID":"S1W-03712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received written representations from the Scottish Council of Development and Industry opposing the decision to abandon the policy of a common UK non-domes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received written representations from the Scottish Council of Development and Industry opposing the decision to abandon the policy of a common UK non-domestic poundage and in particular to set a provisional poundage which is 10.1% higher than that in England.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140636,"EventID":"S1W-03713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will measure the number of new businesses created in Scotland by reference to the number of VAT registered businesses and, if not, by what other means will the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will measure the number of new businesses created in Scotland by reference to the number of VAT registered businesses and, if not, by what other means will the number of new businesses be measured.","AnswerText":"There is no single indicator available to measure the number of new businesses created in Scotland. The Scottish Executive uses a number of indicators including VAT registration, New Business Statistics data produced jointly by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers, and the Scottish Executive's own Annual Corporate Sector Analysis.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140637,"EventID":"S1W-03714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in order to encourage growth in research and development activity in Scotland by reducing the tax burden ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in order to encourage growth in research and development activity in Scotland by reducing the tax burden upon it or by introducing tax relief on investment in such activity.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive Ministers have regular and continuing discussions with Her Majesty's Government on matters of economic interest. They welcome the Chancellor's announcement of a tax credit for research and development in small and medium sized enterprises in last year's budget.","AnswerDate":"2000-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140638,"EventID":"S1W-03715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the introduction of the American policy of corporate venturing to promote growth of small businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the introduction of the American policy of corporate venturing to promote growth of small businesses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that corporate venturing can bring significant benefits to both small businesses and their larger corporate partners, and we want to encourage the establishment of more such relationships in Scotland. The Executive therefore fully supports the UK Government's commitment to introduce corporate venturing tax incentives in this year's Finance Bill and we have asked Scottish Enterprise to consider specific initiatives to help stimulate a culture of corporate venturing in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Henry McLeish","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140639,"EventID":"S1W-03716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is given to Glasgow to meet the extra policing and other costs generated by national events, such as international football games, which take place within th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is given to Glasgow to meet the extra policing and other costs generated by national events, such as international football games, which take place within the city.","AnswerText":"The formula for determining the allocation of GAE for each police force is primarily based on policing strengths. The formula is presently being reviewed. However, the 2000-01 GAE settlement took into account a needs assessment by individual forces.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140640,"EventID":"S1W-03717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to monitor, and acknowledge in future funding, the support that Glasgow's Women's Aid groups and other organisations working with abused women in Glasg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to monitor, and acknowledge in future funding, the support that Glasgow's Women's Aid groups and other organisations working with abused women in Glasgow provide to women from outwith Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Funding for local women's aid groups is the responsibility of local authorities. The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to disburse funds directly to local groups. The Scottish Executive recognises that individual circumstances, often for reasons of safety, require women seeking refuge to be placed outwith their usual area of residence.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jackie Baillie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140641,"EventID":"S1W-03718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support the development and maintenance of co-operative initiatives in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support the development and maintenance of co-operative initiatives in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"In our efforts to strengthen the social economy in Glasgow and throughout Scotland we are encouraging Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to offer enhanced support and advice to co-operatives and other social and community based enterprises as well as to mainstream business. Representatives of the Scottish Enterprise Network recently met to discuss support for co-operative businesses and are now considering what further role SEN and local enterprise companies could play in this area.","AnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2000-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":140642,"EventID":"S1W-03719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2000-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support initiatives to increase the numbers of women who breastfeed their babies in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support initiatives to increase the numbers of women who breastfeed their babies in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to the promotion of breastfeeding throughout Scotland. We support and fund the Scottish Breastfeeding Group and the National Breastfeeding Advisor to help achieve the target of 50% of women breastfeeding their babies at six weeks by 2005. The Health Education Board for Scotland, funded by the Scottish Executive, also plays a vital role in encouraging women to breastfeed and promoting a positive public attitude towards breastfeeding. HEBS' work includes a wide range of publications and promotion of Breastfeeding Awareness Week.